Zooey Deschanel (She) is best known for her roles in Elf and Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, while M. Ward (Him) is regarded as a guitar vitruoso amongst the new-wave of indie rockers. Volume One, their debut album as She & Him, is a throwback to old country and pop that reflects in Jenny Lewis’ recent old timey project with The Watson Twins.
Deschanel has a hand in the majority of the songwriting and her voice holds up surprisingly well in the standout tracks, “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here” and “This Is Not A Test.” The introspective leanings of past M. Ward material is absent in favor or his more AM radio friendly gestures that harken to a mellow, dusty sound. Unfortunately, his inspiring guitar talents take a back seat to Deschanel’s moment.
“Change Is Hard” blooms with country-western pedal steel, “I Was Made For You,” mirrors a Supremes Motown harmony, while “Take It Back” is sleepy sappy soul. There are a few covers present, including The Beatles’ “I Should Have Known Better,” which are “cute” but never over-impresses. As for the majority of Volume One, it’s shy on brilliancy but strong on detailed production and comfort.
Zooey Deschanel (She) is best known for her roles in Elf and Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, while M. Ward (Him) is regarded as a guitar vitruoso amongst the new-wave of indie rockers. Volume One, their debut album as She & Him, is a throwback to old country and pop that reflects in Jenny Lewis’ recent old timey project with The Watson Twins.
