The Wood Brothers
Heart Is The Hero
Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers
The Wood Brothers’ latest album, Heart Is The Hero is a lesson in returning to the roots of music and yielding magnificence. Recorded on 16-track analog tape as opposed to the modern system of working in a visual and digital format on a computer screen, the album carries an authentic vibe with tight, live, and raw performances. Chris Wood shares his thoughts on the album, stating, “Making a record without turning on the screen took us back in time to an era where capturing a good performance was essential, rather than piecing together or ‘fixing’ a performance.”
These exceptional performances shine through on every track, and it feels like recording directly to tape adds as much to their sound as the beautiful collaborations between Oliver and Chris Woods and honorary sibling Jano Rix. “Pilgrim” embraces a rootsy acoustic sound with a laid-back swagger reminiscent of the glory days and the stellar performances of MTV’s unplugged series and may just be my favorite among the remarkable songs on this stacked album. “Heart Is The Hero,” “Between The Beats,” “Mean Man World,” and “Rollin’ On” all exude heartfelt lyrics and honest delivery, resonating on a personal level that any listener can relate to. Closing the album, “Kitchen Floor” plays like a lullaby, featuring the powerful lyrics “And I hope you’ll sing it from down on your kitchen floor, long after the last time I darken that door. Sing it under your breath, sing it high and loud, so I can still be around you.”
With Heart Is The Hero, The Wood Brothers have planted a beautiful flag in the ground, embracing the roots of recording and songwriting that truly touch the heart. The album is now available on all major platforms and streaming services, as well as directly through their website. Make sure to follow their social media accounts to stay updated on their upcoming tour locations and updates as the year rolls on.