There are many folk-rock bands out there that tend to stand out for their original ideas; The Oh Hellos would be one of them. The Oh Hellos are a folk-rock band made up of two siblings, Maggie and Tyler Heath from Texas. These two are responsible for the creation of many albums, specifically four certain albums inspired by the four winds. These albums are named Notus, Eurus, Boreas, and Zephyrus.

Notos was their first album of this series; released in 2017. Notos is named after the Greek god of the south wind and is responsible for bringing storms in summer. According to The Oh Hellos, this specific album is inspired by the siblings’ memories of their summers spent in the Pacific Northwest with their grandparents; along with their common threat of hurricanes.

Eurus is the second album in this series which was released in 2018. Eurus is the Greek god of the east wind and is responsible for autumn’s winds. The album cover represents two specific symbols that represent autumn;  specifically the wheat and a bird in flight which is described as migrating. This album was inspired by the feelings in the “dark woods, dry branches, dead leaves, and wondering who had migrated.”

Boreas is the third album in this series which was released in 2020. Boreas is the Greek god of the north wind, responsible for the frozen winds in winter. The Oh Hellos describe this album in a very specific way: “The arrangements of this third installment evoke images of snow-blanketed darkness, candlelight behind cupped hands, and a vast night sky ribboned with stars and auroras.” The Oh Hellos thought how we as humans “often avoid discomfort” even if at the expense of others until we ourselves are left alone, cold, and emotionless. In this specific album, The Oh Hellos hope to give not such a chilling feeling but a more warm, friendly, and comforting feeling.

Zephyrus is the last album of this series and was released in 2020. Zephyrus is the Greek god of the west wind, responsible for the gentle and warm winds of spring. Zephyrus brings a new year with its warm growth “in the fertile ashes of all the structures that keep us isolated and unfeeling,” as described by The Oh Hellos. This album represents “the kind of growth we see in ourselves,” just as tender leaves start to show growth, so do we with our courage.

Any one of these albums would be a great introduction to the uplifting folk-rock of the band, and you can also check out their Tiny Desk Concert from NPR to hear some highlights of their earlier music.