Single Of The Week • She & Him — ‘In The Sun’

Californian actress-turned-singer Zooey Deschanel revisits her collaboration with M Ward for the much-anticipated, self-explanatory Volume Two, out March 22 through Double Six Records. ‘In The Sun’ is the first single, released as a digital download today with a limited edition 7″ and tote bag printed with the gorgeous album artwork following on Record Store Day (April 17) .

Opening with a perky piano melody and chunky, palm-muted guitar chords, ‘In The Sun’ is the perfect upbeat accompaniment to the long-awaited change in season. Deschanel’s twangy reverb-drenched voice is a consummate fit with Ward’s beautifully layered guitar arrangement, while guest vocals from Nebraska favourites Tilly & The Wall add to the atmosphere created by the ever increasing build of melodies, riffs and harmonies.

On the B-side, by way of contrast, is a cover of the Phil Spector-penned Ronettes hit ‘I Can Hear Music’, presented as a soulful, laidback treat for lovers. You know, the kind that makes it easy to imagine a sunset roadtrip, top down, cold beer in your hand and your sweetheart by your side. Having successfully reinvented the track from its Motown beginnings into a mellifluous Midwest romance, perhaps the band should have reconsidered their choice of A-side…

Though She & Him are well versed in creating old-time Southern refrains, they suffer on occasion from overproduction. Deschanel’s voice is at its best when paired with simple strums, and likewise Ward’s guitar playing is to be relished like a fine whiskey when stripped back to simple chords and runs. Still, by appealing to country, pop and indie fans alike, this tasty single, and Volume Two at large, will ring true to anyone who likes to reminisce on a summer’s evening.

Buy from iTunes [link coming soon]

Also out this week:

Annie, ‘My Love Is Better’ (remixes)
Lady Gaga feat. Beyoncé, ‘Telephone’
Rox, ‘My Baby Left Me’

Tagged she and him, zooey deschanel