Sunshine & The Rain

Beneath the Stars, recorded with Tom Beaujour at Nuthouse Recording and Kaleidoscope Sound in New Jersey, holds fast to the band’s expert pop sensibility but strips away the heavier psych elements to reveal 80s synth pop, glittery new wave and piano-tinged 70s soft rock. By challenging themselves to write on different instruments and experiment with new textures, sounds and arrangements, the duo was able to give themselves the breathing room, and permission, to evolve naturally. It wasn’t about testing limits, it was about ditching them completely. Ashley, used to writing on a bass and a drum machine, picked up her acoustic guitar, revisiting the folk leanings of her youth. Justin dialed down the electric guitar and pummeling beats, favoring instead a couple of vintage drum machines and Ashley’s childhood keyboard – an old Yamaha that became the workhorse of the album.


The result is a record that’s more spacious, immediate and affecting – but still catchy as all hell. The couple has a gift for crafting sprawling melodies that are equal parts cheeky and sophisticated, adventurous and air-tight. Album opener “It’s All In Your Mind” is pure pop confection laced with handclaps and put-downs – Ashley’s voice may be honey soaked but there’s always plenty of shade to cut the sweetness like a knife.


-Beth Wawerna