Willow Willow

Album Review

Willow Willow — Miranda Zeiger and Jessica Vohs — created a buzz in the San Francisco Bay Area with their close harmony singing and strong songwriting. Zeiger, the duo's main songwriter, sounds like she has a pipeline into an alternate universe where pure pop, belief in the joy of true love, and the innocence of the '60s never went out of style. Her melodies are smooth and memorable; they create a faintly nostalgic feeling in listeners. You may find yourself asking, "Where have I heard that before?" even though the songs are all brand new. The style is pure pop with a faintly British, faintly Brazilian flavor that intensifies their gently moody and lushly romantic aura. "Follow the Spring" sounds like a bossa nova written by Bacharach/David, with a dreamy lyric, keys mimicking the sound of a celesta, and the wistful Willow harmonies. "Stuck in Time," is full of longing and heartache, with faux horn accents and more tearful vocal harmonies. "Lovely Hours" brings to mind a British folk dance with its interplay of bright acoustic guitars and delirious harpsichord; "Fall in Awe" has a jazzy, Pentangle-like feel and "The Fog" sports another strong melodic and vocal hook and more sad, swooning vocal work. The arrangements favor subtle drumming, chiming, celestial guitar work, laid-back bass and occasional harp — not harmonica, harpsichord, mandolin, cello, and keyboard accents, but it's the amazing harmony vocal work and Zeiger's timeless melodies that keep you hitting the replay button. ~ j. poet, All Music Guide