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Friday Listen: The Harmed Brothers — Songs That Stay with You
- Mike Meldon
- May 15
- 3 min read
I've been wanting to feature the Harmed Brothers for a while now...a 'localish' band that does not get the recognition it deserves-- in my opinion. For me, The Harmed Brothers have been one of my favorite bands for well over a decade- and I'm excited to share them and their songs with you.
I first saw them at the Whispering Beard Folk Festival in Friendship, Indiana more than 15 years ago, and I was hooked almost immediately. There was just something different about them. Their music carried this mix of raw honesty, melancholy, hope, and a fun energy that is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself.
The Harmed Brothers — led by Alex Salcido and Ray Vietti — have a style that is uniquely their own. They blend Americana, folk, indie rock, and deeply reflective songwriting into songs that feel both intimate and expansive at the same time. Their lyrics are meaningful and thought-provoking in a way that sticks with you long after the music stops.
One song that captures what makes this band special is “Skyline Over…” from their album Across the Waves — a song filled with exhaustion, longing, uncertainty, and hope somehow all existing together. It feels like a reflection of modern life itself: trying to hold onto meaning while the world feels increasingly chaotic.
Make a beeline for the door
You’re late for work and so much more
Hold on to a quote that you know by heart
All the greatest hits still in your blood
Holding onto love just to hedge your bets
On the right day you think it still wins
Hold on to a slogan that you know by heart
All the platitudes that made the greatest hits
But honestly, it’s hard to narrow The Harmed Brothers down to just one song — or even just four songs for a playlist.
That’s part of what makes this week’s Friday Listen difficult. I could easily recommend an entire catalog.
So, I need to have you check out the lyrics to Under the Ax also:
In an awkward boyfriend-girlfriend stance.
In a pair of arms that felt comfortable by chance,
the bathroom's armed to the teeth.
Wall to wall, with cans of pheromones
that take all of the stink out of the heat of being alone.
So, before I go,
before you go
Would you be a doll?
Leave me my pheromones.
Cos I am facing such an ocean
so ugly and thick
that I just can't help but get swallowed
in you and in it, so
Run to your lover.
Oh, wherever that may be.
Cos when you see love,
oh, I know you don't see me anymore.
I am facing such an ocean so ugly and thick
that I just can't help but get swallowed
in you and in it
Photos I took at a couple of their shows at the Whispering Bear Folk Festival
What makes this even more special for me personally is that Alex and I have become friends over the years. I’ve been lucky enough to have him perform at a couple of events here in Loveland, and every single time people walk away blown away by both the music and the sincerity behind it.
Alex also offers something incredibly unique called “The Song Shop,” where he works directly with people to help write deeply personal songs that can either be recorded by Alex or by the by full band. I’ve actually taken advantage of it several times over the years, often as gifts for family members.
Most recently, Alex helped create a song for my kids called My Love is Louder:
That’s the thing about Alex and The Harmed Brothers: their music doesn’t just entertain you. It connects to your life. Their songs feel honest- relatable.
And while Alex is often out on tour, he still finds his way back home to the greater Cincinnati area from time to time. Hopefully we can get him — or even the full band — back up here to play in Loveland again soon. If that happens, I’ll absolutely let everyone know.
Because this is a band you need to listen to.
The Harmed Brothers are one of those rare groups that can make a room feel a range of emotions and energies. Alex Salcido is an incredible talent, and I feel very lucky to not only be a longtime fan, but to call him a friend.
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