As someone who’s new to the music of The Head and the Heart, I was positively surprised and elated to go through their hit songs in anticipation of their latest release. Their new album, Aperture, feels like both a homecoming and a bold step forward for the band. Released on May 9, 2025, Aperture marks a turning point for the band: it’s their first fully self-produced record since their debut. There’s something vulnerable and confident pulsing through these tracks.
Right away, the title Aperture struck a chord with me. The term aperture, holds multiple meanings to me as a professional photographer. The idea of light filtering through an opening, choosing to let light in, or keep it out, is something I think we all wrestle with, like physically through a camera lens or metaphorically through the lenses of our life. It serves to stand as a metaphor for those moments when you decide whether to face the light or stay in the darkness. That overarching theme threads its way through the entire album, weaving together intimate confessions and broader meditations on resilience, healing, and connection.
One of the most refreshing aspects of Aperture is how democratic it feels. In a press conference with UMG’s 1824, the band discussed how each member contributed to the self-produced project. Drummer Tyler Williams sings the bridge while Jon takes the lead on the vocals for “Cop Car,” a standout track in the best way. Chris, the bass player, played drums at one point. The band also talked about how Charity led a recording session for “Finally Free,” saying she was like a “wizard.”
The opening track, “After the Setting Sun,” sets the tone beautifully. It’s a slow burn, with a warm, earthy instrumentation that swells into something more grand and sweeping. That familiar harmony-driven sound is still there, but there’s a grittier edge, a lived-in weariness that adds emotional weight. I immediately felt like I was being let into something deeply personal.
Then came “Arrow,” the lead single. There’s a directness and clarity in the vocals here that makes the message land hard. It’s a song about longing and forward motion, and it’s no surprise that it quickly became a fan favorite. I kept coming back to it throughout my first few listens, not just for the hook, but for the subtle complexity in its layers; piano flourishes, a steady kick drum, and a chorus that feels designed for a live sing-along under open skies.
“Time With My Sins” might be the most lyrically piercing song on the album. It’s confessional and raw, with lyrics like “I don’t wanna live and die never knowing what it’s like to be close to you.” There’s something amazing about how it builds, with steady piano and percussion throughout..
“Blue Embers” and “Don’t Show Your Weakness” both dig into ideas of vulnerability and strength, offering a kind of emotional duality that mirrors the concept of an aperture itself. The closing track, aptly titled “Aperture,” is a minimalist, intimate piece that feels like a gentle goodbye and a quiet challenge. “It’s not too late for you and I”, being among some of the lyrics.
What I admire most about this album is the dedication to its sound and message. It’s not afraid to shift its weight around, explore emotional landscapes, and be different than a lot of the alternative music I listen to in the mainstream. The production is surely a testament to their growth not just as musicians, but as collaborators.
I’ve listened to Aperture several times and each time I find something new. A subtle harmony here, a lyrical twist there, it’s an album that rewards careful listening. For longtime fans, it should serve as a deeply satisfying continuation of the band’s journey. For new listeners, it’s a strong, self-assured entry point that showcases what The Head and the Heart does best: heartfelt songwriting, lush instrumentation, and voices that feel like old friends.
