[rating=3.00]
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.
