Live Review: The Head, Mom Friend, and Tyler Key at Boggs Social & Supply in Atlanta, 8/23/25

To paraphrase Thomas Wolfe, you can never go home again. Yet, here we are with The Head rocking Atlanta after a two year break to allow brothers Jack and Mike Shaw, along with guitarist Jacob Morrell, some adulting time.

Since their teenage years, the trio have been recording and touring, first making waves with their 2009 debut album Puckered. After a hiatus from the stage, anticipation buzzed for this much-awaited “comeback” show.

The night kicked off with “Tea Colored Radio” from their 2017 album Space, proving the band’s energy and chemistry remain as sharp as ever. They followed with a knockout combo, launching into the electrifying “I Wanna Be Loved,” which the crowd echoed back with enthusiasm. During the pandemic, The Head unleashed a flurry of singles and EPs, several of which lit up the setlist. Among these gems, “Young n Hot” stood out, a nostalgic anthem that transported listeners to days of yore.

The boys have matured and evolved since their beginnings, with Morrell boldly taking his guitar into new experimental areas. Jack efficiently sharing rhythm section duties with brother Mike, who handles his mighty bass and belts out songs with even stronger vocals. Rumor has it the band is cooking up fresh material. Meanwhile, drummer Jack is ready to unleash more False Corners magic. Fun fact: both Tyler Key and Emily Backus, who opened the show, have lent their voices to Shaw’s two releases.

Emily Backus and her band Mom Friend unleashed a powerful set, electrifying a crowd packed with devoted fans. Last fall, they dropped “Cass,” a heartfelt tribute to Cass Elliot, featuring Backus’s wry lyric, “I’m pretty happy except when I’m not.” A sentiment we can all relate to. The band treated the audience to a preview of unreleased tracks, and if these songs are any sign, their upcoming album promises to be a standout.

A highlight of the night was “Can U Creep, Bitch,” a bold mashup of Radiohead’s “Creep” and Meredith Brooks’s “Bitch” that brought the house down. With their next album nearly complete, now is the perfect time to check out their Bandcamp page for the latest updates.

Hailing from Tallapoosa, Georgia, opener Tyler Key demonstrated how a Southern singer-songwriter does it. He’s got the songwriting chops, the guitar skills, and that voice. His country/folk-tinged songs were personal yet offered up shared experiences we can all relate to. Playing selections from his new release, You Okay, Key has created a feast for the ears. Unsure if the title is asking a question or simply stating a fact, the songs resonate with heart. Check out the single “Oconee River” and you’ll wonder where he’s been all your life. You can buy You Okay on Key’s Bandcamp page.

Check out these bands’ music and catch them live when you can!

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