“You & Me”
from the album Good & Evil
2011
iTunes
It has taken nearly six years for quintet Tally Hall to release a sophomore follow-up to their whimsical debut, Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. A band often noted for upbeat rock melodies as colorful as their trademark ties, they have kept their signature wardrobe staple intact, but it’s clear that Tally Hall has matured as a group. Good & Evil is certainly whimsical and fun, but there are signs Tally Hall is growing up.
With help from producer Tony Hoffer (Belle and Sebastian, Beck), Good & Evil is brimming in bright, accessible indie pop rock. Their return begins with “Never Meant to Know.” Relying on fuzzy guitar and spacey keys, Tally Hall sinks right back into familiar territory with their storybook lyrics. One can truly have fun when their creative lyrics are mashed with feverish keys and layered vocals, such as on the playful “Turn the Lights Off.”
Using bubbly instrumental work and harmonies, Tally Hall is able to make even the dark side of growing up remain lighthearted. “Cannibal” combines the best of Tally Hall’s infectious lyrics and harmonies with a forlorn look at a past lover. “I am the willing victim of a cannibal / she rips out my bones just like an animal,” the band sings over energetic drums and keys, downplaying what had the potential to be a less than poppy track.
Tally Hall creates simple feel-good indie pop. Fusing their truly “can’t get out of your head” lyrics with fun, upbeat guitars and and keys, Tally Hall presents themselves in their purest pop nature. At times, though, this simplicity and fun may not be enough to truly stick with the audience. Certainly listeners will enjoy the ride, but there’s nothing about Good & Evil to give it longevity.