[7] Josiah Johnson had moved to Seattle from Southern California to attend graduate school, and Jonathan Russell had recently relocated from Richmond, Virginia.

They met keyboardist Kenny Hensley, who had also moved to Seattle to pursue musical score-writing, and Charity Rose Thielen, who had recently returned from a year studying abroad in Paris at Sciences Po.

Drummer Tyler Williams had been in the band Prabir and The Substitutes in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Seattle to be a part of the Head and The Heart after hearing a demo that Russell sent of the song "Down In The Valley".

Chris Zasche was bartending at the Conor Byrne Pub, working aftercare shifts at The Perkins School, and playing in Seattle bands The Maldives and Grand Hallway.

"[8] Self-burned copies of The Head and the Heart in handmade denim sleeves were being sold at shows within a few weeks,[9] and soon local record stores Easy Street and Sonic Boom couldn't keep them in stock.

[12] Sub Pop remastered the album, expanded it with a studio version of their traditional concert closer "Rivers and Roads", and re-recorded one song ("Sounds Like Hallelujah").

[3] The band toured extensively through 2010 and 2011 in both the United States and Europe, and opened for Vampire Weekend,[5] The Walkmen, Dr. Dog, Dave Matthews, The Low Anthem, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, My Morning Jacket, and Death Cab For Cutie, as well as headlining their own shows.

[18] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic said of the album: "The group's predilection for heartfelt, Avett Brothers-meets-Fleet Foxes roots rock is apparent right out of the gate with "Homecoming Heroes" and "Another Story," both of which utilize familiar folk-rock architecture to spin earnest and familiar tales concerning the two body parts from which the group takes its name.

[27][28] The band toured throughout 2017 with performances at Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Hinterland Music Festival, and Lollapalooza.

The band made a cameo appearance in the series Hart of Dixie, performing their song, "Shake", in episode 3 of the 3rd season.

[38] The band is featured in the first episode Showtime television comedy drama Roadies created by Cameron Crowe.