 "Photo: Autumn de Wilde")
When listening to the recently released Volume II from She & Him, it is hard not to wonder if one has stumbled across an old gem from a different decade–the ‘50s, when pop music was simple and catchy.
She & Him, a collaboration between actress-turned-singer Zooey Deschanel and music producer M. Ward, hit their aim at a ‘50s vinyl classic-like sweetness, with upbeat tunes that deliver simplicity and fun.
Deschanel’s vocals echo another time with solid substance, and Ward’s guitar leans back on the days of Buddy Holly-like strumming. Tempos often hark on the ‘50s generation, and the lyrics are simple and sweet as well.
The first single off Volume II, “In the Sun,” relies on the upbeat tones to allow Deschanel sing cheerily about a classic situation; getting “the slip.” Deschanel sings and flirts around with choreographed dances and hula hoops.
However, the chorus falls flat of She & Him’s usual catchiness and hook. Deschanel comforts her own heart, singing: “That’s alright/That’s OK/We all get the slip oh everyday/But I’ll keep it to myself in the sun.”
Always one to juxtapose heartache and happiness, Deschanel penned most of the lyrics, while Ward lingered on the production aspects of the album.
“Thieves” starts the album with a soft, lamenting tone about losing love, yet never truly stepping away from the bright tones with light guitar strumming and even harmonies.
While the album may be catchy and sweet, it doesn’t bring forth anything new or substantial material, like Volume I offered.
As Deschanel and Ward press farther into eras past, their sound blends more into white noise than significant and solid songs that can stand the test of time. The choruses are less catchy, remaining light-hearted, and Ward’s guitar is steadfast in backing Deschanel’s vocals. Nevertheless, they don’t deliver anything quite as exciting as they did in the past.
Be the first to comment on this article!