On Tuesday, September 30, The Head and the Heart brought their Aperture Tour through Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix. It has been a few years since The Head and the Heart has headlined an Arizona stage, so it was no surprise that fans turned up in large numbers to experience the magic. The band has been on the road celebrating the release of their newest album, Aperture, since July, joined by a number of talented artists. This night’s bill featured Tyler Ballgame and John Vincent III as their special guests.
Backed by a 5-piece band, California-based singer-songwriter Tyler Ballgame kicked off the evening, bringing his blend of indie pop/rock/alternative tracks inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s songwriters to fans who turned up early in support. Despite being relatively new to the music scene under this project, the artist has quickly gained a following and has already earned spots on massive festival lineups, including weekend 1 of Austin City Limits, and Innings Fest. The crowd grooved along as he performed songs like “Got a New Car” and “I Believe In Love,” both of which are featured on his upcoming debut album For The First Time, Again, due to be released in January. Tyler Ballgame’s run with The Head and the Heart wrapped in Albuquerque on October 2, but those who live in the UK and Europe can catch him live in April for a headlining tour celebrating the release of his debut album.
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Folk-pop singer-songwriter John Vincent III took the stage next, delivering an 8-track setlist featuring songs like “Bluebird Singing,” “Mountain Sound,” and “Lover of Mine,” the latter of which is a personal favorite that I was thrilled to catch live. The laid-back vibes of the set had the audience swaying and listening intently to every word. The setlist focused on tracks from his two latest albums, ending with a fan favorite from Songs For The Canyon, “That’s Just The Way It Is, Babe.” His set marked his first ever performance in the Valley and his last stop of the tour with The Head and the Heart. John Vincent III is set to co-headline two shows in Ohio with Michael Margagi in December, with a portion of the sales benefiting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Providence House for Children.
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As fans waited for The Head and the Heart to take the stage, they could be heard reminiscing about previous THATH shows and speculating which song the band might open with. Unlike most bands who tend to play the same set every night on tour, The Head and the Heart changes things up nightly, delivering a unique setlist for every night of the tour. While there are some staple songs that appear on the setlist nightly, the remainder of the tracks vary from evening to evening, and when songs are repeated, they are typically played in a different order.
The lights dimmed and the 6-piece indie folk band took the stage, getting things started with “All We Ever Knew,” a favorite from their 2016 Signs of Light album. They kept things going with “Don’t Show Your Weakness,” “Fire Escape,” and “Ghosts,” before pausing to address the audience. Vocalist, violinist, and guitarist Charity Rose Thielen acknowledged a couple with an infant in a carrier, asking if it was the baby’s first show and noting that it was exciting for her as a mom to see. The family was so excited for the acknowledgement from the band, especially when Charity checked in on them again later in the evening. During “Missed Connection,” Matt Gervais jumped into the pit, dancing with fans and doling out high fives as he made his way through the whole crowd for the duration of the song. These interactions between the band and audience members surely created core memories for many of these fans.
The harmonies between Thielen, Gervais, and Jonathan Russell were nothing short of breathtaking, and the band’s performance as whole was tight. While the show’s production was simple, the visually stunning lighting design really added to the beauty of the band’s performance. The setlist featured half tracks from "Aperture," as well as tracks from across their entire discography.
For their performance of “Lost in My Mind,” the band invited out Tyler Ballgame, John Vincent III, and all of their band members for a giant family jam session. During “Gone,” Gervais cut the song short to alert venue staff to a medical emergency he was witnessing in the pit. The band ensured the fan was safe before picking the song back up where they left off. They delivered a goosebump-inducing performance of “Down in the Valley” to end their set before returning for a three song encore of “Every Shade of Blue,” “Arrow,” and “Rivers and Roads.”
The Aperture Tour is nearing its end, with their final tour date being in Nashville on October 12. They’re also set to join the Seattle Symphony for a special one night only hometown performance which is sure to be unforgettable. The Head and the Heart put on an incredible performance every time. Be sure to check them out next time they roll through your city!
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