Grace and Honesty

Quiet and muted, Lily and Madeleine float through their new record Keep It Together (out Feb. 26 on New West Records). The Indianapolis sisters craft the kind of understated pop folk that makes for an ideal chill sesh. It’s never too dark, but it isn’t high energy or peppy. Opening track “Not Gonna” mixes their sweet harmonies with a wonky, psychedelic instrumental arrangement, and it’s details like this one that keep them from veering into too predictable territory. Poignantly enough, they sing “Everyone’s expecting me to say I’m sorry/But I’m not.” This unapologetic confidence is subtly woven through the record, and though you couldn’t describe them as edgy, they seem to have a much more solidified identity this time around. They don’t need to be edgy – they’re just honest and real.

Aesthetically, they seem to be exploring more of a retro sound than ever before. It’s a little seventies pop-rock, a little grungy and a little garage. “For the Weak” is one of the best examples of this shift, and it suits them just fine. Its easy going guitar melody brings warmth and a smooth groove to their sound. “Midwest Kid” has a similar effect, zen and effortlessly fluid.

Contrasting, songs like “Westfield” and “Hotel Pool” are icy cool and simple. With an almost electro-folk sound to them, the arrangements and harmonies are sparse and delicate. And for such young artists (Lily is 19 and Madeleine is 21), they keep their angst in check, instead coming across as calm and collected and focused. Their lyrics are never overly juvenile or too wise beyond their years. They sing about their own honest experiences in way that never feels forced or inauthentic, just natural. Even their vocals are controlled, self-assured and thoughtful, whether they’re singing them against the backdrop of just an acoustic guitar, or a lush piano arrangement.

The two are most relatable and clear-eyed on the no-frills “Small Talk” and “Nothing”, both bewitching and lovely.