Every so often there’s a new band that comes along out of nowhere and gets stuck in a loop in your head. And no matter what you try, you simply cannot get bored with what you’re listening to. Previously, it was Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, or the Broken Bells. This time around it’s a new Seattle-origin band called “The Head and The Heart”.

I managed to pick up on this band off the SXSW 2011 showcasing artists torrent, which included their genteel single “Down in the Valley”.

“Down in the Valley” starts with a simple acoustic guitar intro leading into simple storytelling lyrics lamented by Josiah Johnson’s immediately familiar and comforting voice – a voice that, surprisingly, portrays itself as having lived a long, hard, yet rewarding life.

And then you get your first taste of what’s in store. The song adds another beautiful layer when the violin of Charity Rose Thielen baits you with a dose of celtic flavour, coaxing your mind towards a sip of whisky next to a warm log fire.

Layer three deepens with a rich piano waltzing Josiah’s voice through another tour of wistful lyrics before a ticking cymbal brings pause, the mood of the song hinting at a lift. A drum heartbeat confirms the elevation while taking the now more upbeat singing through a determined chant into unexpected a capella. The singer’s mantra is established.

The build starts next, new strong tempo, drum and piano, yearning but promising, giving your stomach a pang for lost love while putting a smile on your cheeks for future happiness. Filler vocals haunt the background while introducing the percussion in another layer of rich sounds. Down to emptiness and back up again the song flows, each time grasping at you more urgently, echoing its mantra of longing.

Josiah then repeats his intentions with full-band, joyful-tear-inducing accompaniment before you forlornly realise the musical journey has only taken you full circle, leaving you where you started…

Back where you started but now equipped with an inkling of promise and potential.

And that is not even their best song.

Play this loud:

And then go read this letter. (Source)

And then smile!