Tiny Hearts, Big Ideas

posted in: Artist Features

With influences that range from Sufjan Stevens to Fela Kuti to Bruce Springsteen, The Tiny Tin Hearts defy categorization right out the gate. The Austin band brings banjo, French Horn, cello, violin, trombone, piano, lap steel, guitars, bass and drums together for a joyful jumble of sound. They’re not ones to play it straight and simple, which makes them a consistently fun listen. Based on the true story of Mexican aviator Emilio Carranza Rodriguez, The Aviator is a sprawling anthem of tumbling pianos, shimmering tambourines and a blaze of guitars. Navesink is an intricate folk melody that showcases the entire genus of stringed instruments, from electric guitar to violin and banjo. It’s lovely and complicated”two words that apply to virtually all of the band’s canon. But, lest you think you’re beginning to understand their method, they serve up Gnoissienne No. 2, an elegant, classical waltz. Ambition can take on many forms, and The Tiny Tin Hearts seem to have them all mastered.