Both Ways Open Jaws

iTunes Review

The Dø (pronounced as in “do-re-mi”) released one of 2008's most captivating records, a debut titled A Mouthful; it swept many indie pop fans off their feet. The handsome Paris-based duo of Olivia Merilahti and Dan Levy recognize the importance of catchy melodies and the efficacy of repetition, though they often mold and stretch those things to their outer limits with unusual instrumentation and Merilahti’s striking vocals. On their sophomore outing, Both Ways Open Jaws, Merilahti refines her little-girl yelp (which can be disarmingly haunting) and softens her close-to-unhinged yowl (as on the near-epic “Wicked and the Blind”) just enough to pull in waffling listeners. “Gonna Be Sick” has all the weird charm of Mouthful's "On My Shoulders" (marimbas and lyrics about vomiting are somehow quite alluring). Another standout, “Too Insistent”, is as close to a commercial-sounding tune as the band has come, with happy brass, a reedy guitar line at the core, and a sticky, girl-driven chorus. Just as strong as A Mouthful, this follow-up is a tad more restrained, yet makes up for it with a slew of simply excellent, graceful, and smart songs.