She & Him - Volume Two
As the appropriately titled 'Volume Two' would suggest, the duo’s second effort is a most definite continuation from 'Volume One'. Album opening ‘Thieves’ is catchy and memorable, perhaps slightly repetitive as the strains of “that won’t stop me crying” begin to grate slightly. ‘In the Sun’ sees She & Him continuing to do what they do best; creating well crafted, simple, yet curiously complex songs. This is accessible pop music at its best, but still enthrals and surprises.
‘Gonna Get Along Without You’ holds a sweet melody and bitter lyrics that actress turned singer Zooey Deschanel delivers with cutting sorrow in her voice. ‘Riding In My Car’ sees M. Ward and Deschanel sharing vocal duties to great success. It’s a trip through heartbreak with airy vocals and harmonies throughout, making this a high point of the album.
'Volume Two' is a throwback album, yet seemingly timeless. It sounds like so much of a continuation, that most of these songs could be on 'Volume One', but perhaps that’s the idea. Either way, it’s a welcome extension. Deschanel’s voice leaps from melancholy to joyful in seconds, particularly in ‘Brand New Shoes’. The woeful traipse of “They were all red but they gave me the blues” cannot help but insist a smile. ‘If You Can’t Sleep’ closes the album tenderly, with layered vocals swelling and echoing underneath Deschanel’s clear glass-like voice.
'Volume Two' isn’t groundbreaking, nor is it startling different to 'Volume One', but that doesn’t matter; it’s an enjoyable collection of sunshine and nostalgia. It’s sugary and sweet, it’s simple but if you dig underneath the saccharine covering, there’s ingenious instrumentation and skilful songwriting.
'Volume Two' is a trip through longing, a trip through memories and misfortune. It’s a portrait of heartbreak and being completely in love. It’s a difficult album to listen to and give your full attention to at times, especially as the tone of the album is alike throughout; but 'Volume Two' deserves your attention and She & Him do their best at demanding it.