Sondre Lerche "Two Way Monlogue"

It's hard not to melt when you look at young Sondre Lerche, because he is a very attractive young man, and it's even harder not to swoon when you hear his lovely, gentle croon. His debut album came out of nowhere (aka Norway), impressing many and establishing this young man as a major talent worth keeping an eye on--and not just because he's a pretty boy. Not surprisingly, Two Way Monlogue arrived with one major question already waiting: would it be any good?

It's a valid question, of course. Luckily, the answer is a resounding yes. Lerche plays it safe, of course; instead of dramatically changing or experimenting with his style, he simply focuses on improving on the things that made Faces Down great: songwriting. Some critics have found fault with this, accusing Lerche of being nothing more than another singer/songwriter who has the benefit of a lot of publicity. It's a valid argument, of course--and one not without a certain amount of merit, too--but such dismissal is unfair, and it does nothing but diminish the fact that Lerche's a really good songwriter.

Just because you're using a simple formula for making music does not mean that the music you make is simple, and Two Way Monologue is an album that stands as a testament to the rewards of a visionary's simple style. Two Way Monologue is an album that's simply covered in simple hooks, easy-going melodies that are all arranged in some of the lushest melodies you'll hear all year. "A happy Nick Drake playing love songs in a busy, friendly coffeehouse on a bright blue cold Saturday morning in January" was what I though upon first listen, and that description hasn't changed one iota. From the sad "It's Over" and "Stupid Memory" to the jaunty, playful "On The Tower" and the jazzy Broadway-style Beach Boys-influenced "Wet Ground," Two Way Monologue is a wonderful dialogue between listener and artist, and you wouldn't really want it any other way.

"If you'd let me make one honest mistake/I'll try to change your mind," he sings, while accompanied to a lush guitar and string section that would make John Barry proud, and I'm reassured that Lerche is an excellent young songwriter with a bright future. Two Way Monologue delivers quite well on the promise of Faces Down yet gives you another round of promise for the future, and I think it's pretty safe to say that he'll deliver..

--Joseph Kyle

Artist Website: http://www.sondrelerche.com
Label Website: http://www.astralwerks.com