The Right Amount

Album review

Sugary '60s-revivalist pop is the genre de jour for Bon Voyage, the hip husband and wife duo that first took the Christian music scene by surprise in 1998. By delivering a catchy blend of dream pop sonics and indie rock hooks, the band crossed over into the secular underground with their appealing sound. The band's sophomore effort, The Right Amount, is an amiable slice of indie pop cuteness that acts as the sonic equivalent of a slow summer drive. Guitarist Jason Martin alternates between twangy surf lines and jangly chords, while singer Julie Martin revels in her breathy confessions with a naïve sweetness. Combined with the orchestral flourishes and simplistic backing of their studio band, Bon Voyage's sound has finally been solidified here. The group's songwriting has become catchier, often recalling classic Motown with their simple melodies and themes. That is a huge plus on their side, as their talents seem naturally suited to such blatantly poppy music. They have also improved their production techniques, utilizing the fuzzy vocals of their debut but pairing it with a smooth '60s pop sheen. Echoing the work that Jim O'Rourke has done with Stereolab in both scope and sound, Bon Voyage finally found the missing elements that made their debut somewhat flawed.

© Bradley Torreano /TiVo