Dan Smith, formerly known as Listener as a part of the Deepspace 5 collective, got together with guitarist Chris Nelson, and then applied the name “Listener” to the duo’s band name. Listener’s latest offering Wooden Heart is a treasure amongst indie rock albums. The music doesn’t really follow any rules of music, unless it wants to. Listener makes use of ukeleles, electric guitars, trumpets, drums, and several other instruments, and they just go with whatever they feel they need to play. Smith’s lyrics are pure poetry, with some aggression and LOTS of imagery. The highlight is the title track, “Wooden Heart,” which speaks heavily of trying to survive our human condition through God’s love and a community of fellow believers. It grips my heart every time. A lot of the songs are reimagined versions of poems Smith has already written and recorded, and I can’t help but love what the band did with them. Wooden Heart is a HUGE departure from past Listener albums, but if it’s where the band is going, I’m on board for the long run.
– Scott Fryberger
Listener
Wooden Heart (2010)
Click here for our review of the album.
Our synopsis: “Passionate and poetic indie rock music.” (Recommended by JFH’s Scott Fryberger)
Perfect For: Loving people, survival
Song Highlights: “You Have Never Lived Because You Have Never Died,” “Wooden Heart,” “Falling In Love With Glaciers,” “Failing Is Not Just For Failures,” “Building Better Bridges,” “You Were A House On Fire””
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Wooden Heart? Do you recommend it? If so, why?