She & Him - Volume 2

There’s a small, but vocal sector of ‘indiedom’ that despises She & Him vocalist, and film star Zooey Deschenel for taking what they like to see as some sort of ‘alternative’ culture into the mainstream with films such as ‘(500) Days of Summer’. These people are the sort that are impossible to please, even with a perfect summer album that’s eclectic and full to the brim with great songs. These people are idiots.

Deschenel is of course partnered with M. Ward, the indie-folk star who’s recently (along with Conor Oberst et al) been a part of super-group Monsters Of Folk and the two of them have created an album that, although is distinctive as a She & Him release, can be seen as a departure from ‘Volume 1’. Much more of a slow burner, the songs feel as though they could slip away if the listener isn’t careful enough. This is no insult, we must stress. The music is wonderful and pretty, it’s just not hugely arresting. Nonetheless, providing that you’re willing to actually give this music time and attention and that you’re not holding a grudge against Ms Deschenel you should enjoy this.

Although we’ve said that ‘Volume 2’ is a perfect summer album, the feel and scope of the music on offer is much more than that. Like ‘Volume 1’ there’s an eclectic mash of styles incorporated into one whole; take ‘Thieves’ for instance - it’s as perfect to listen to during a grey suburban autumn as it is in the height of summer, lazing in a field as the sun warms all. Invoking such imagery is where She & Him really excel, and this time around there’s a much more reflective feeling. Where ‘Volume 1’ sounded more as though it was recorded in the throes of festival season, this release sounds as though it comes from musing on such a time from the confines of the cooler months.

For those unfamiliar, it’s Ward who provides the backing to Deschenel’s lyrics and vocals, and although she’s a fine singer whose voice perfectly reflects her charming screen presence, it’s Ward who comes across as the musical talent here. No surprise really considering the company he keeps, but as a producer he adds the touches that make this album. The flecks of reverb on the guitar on single ‘In The Sun’ recall The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ and the two covers here (‘Ridin’ In My Car’ and ‘Gonna Get Along Without You Now’) mange to pass by largely unnoticed as anything but She & Him originals.

In the end, the indier-than-thou contingent can get lost. As if they ever needed telling. For as many people as Zooey Deschenel will turn off for being on the Hollywood A-list she’ll turn far many more on - with or without this solid and pretty album.