Jen Hirsh’s album Myself in Two is an interesting collection of songs from this self-described pop vocalist. It’s not the fodder of convoluted artistic expression from artists like Regina Spektor and Imogen Heap or the syrup coated melodies of Ingrid Michaelson or Hayley Sales. Granted there are more musical cues from the later, but producer Max Coane (Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin) and Hirsh decided these songs were more than a vessel for record sales and radio play. "Scissors and Soap" is a haunting song that speaks to saying goodbye while "The Better Half" balances things out, its message about never wanting to leave – and its hook might not leave your ears either. Things close with "Faster", a song you could picture Andrew McMahon sing, but Hirsh makes it her with sweetly conservative vocals over a more rocking arrangement than the majority of her guitar and piano laden album.
Jen Hirsh will be playing The Hotel Cafe on April 18th.
-Angelo Lorenzo