Album Review: The Head And The Heart Are A Living Mirage

The Head And The Heart ’s Living Mirage makes me feel like Jerry Maguire singing Tom Petty records. It has the “winding road, wishful dreaming” quality to its sound that is infectious upon listen. You want to smile, square dance, and act like a fun night with lovers and friends can last forever. Yet, alas, even the best of life can feel like a living mirage. 

I never feel grander than when I am with my loved ones laughing. We may not come from or even know what a palace looks like, but we have had some royally fun moments making fun of each other in a parking lot. This might seem like a random point, but Living Mirage was made for the average person’s grander moments. “See You Through My Eyes,” “Missed Connection,” and “Brenda” have a “roadie” quality that is fascinating because they make the everydayness of life feel beautifully nomadic.

Picture it! We are all nomads born unto this earth to journey back home. Yet, “the trick” of our journey is that our destination are not places but perspectives.  From “Honeybee” to “I Found Out,” Jonathan Russell’s voice embodies every man learning to grow uplifted. Yes, everyone has to “grow up,” but growing uplifted is not about maturing as much as softening. Nearly the entire record feels written by someone that has decided to choose joy and make faith and kindness his automatic reactions to life’s lesser times. It is a beautiful, exuberant quest that goes through stringed melodies, sunny hooks, hopeful verses, and hymnal harmonies between Russell and  Charity Rose Thielen.

Overall, this album feels MADE to be heard live. You can easily sing along to song such as, “Saving Grace” and “People Need A Melody,” of which their album release party at Bowery Ballroom, on May 17, feel like a good, Friday night plan. To Buy Tickets and Living Mirage Click Here.