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Jun 29, 2018 Web Exclusive By Matt Conner

The first go-around felt like a gimmick, at least at first glance. A world abuzz about She & Him was bound to result in myriad knockoffs, just like anything exciting in the industry, which immediately placed Pete Yorn’s project with actress Scarlett Johansson in a questionable light.

While Yorn/Johansson were just one of several guy-girl duos to come alive in a short period of time, doubters were quickly silenced once the substance of 2009’s Break Up was heard. Yorn’s signature baritone and Johansson’s lovely alto blend quite nicely, and Yorn’s compositions feel more three-dimensional with an added vocal presence.

Apart is a quick set at 18 total minutes, with four original songs and an unnecessary fifth track (a remixed “Tomorrow” from Yorn’s 2016 ArrangingTime that fails to really set itself apart from the original). Lead single “Bad Dreams” is a propulsive pop number that feels the most fitting here, the most back-and-forth for this duet. Yet other tracks are just as interesting and compelling or both.

“Movies” is an atmospheric number that stretches Yorn’s palette from its typical driving rock rhythms into a synth-steady number where echoing, even competing vocals do the heavy lifting. It’s on this smoky sonic number that Johansson’s presence feels most profound, a track that truly feels owned by both.

Outside of that, Apart is a fine Yorn EP with Johansson accompanying on vocals. That’s not bad or good. It’s just the state of things. There’s loads of creative potential here for more collaboration if such time and interest allows. For now, these singles will satiate the desire for some new music. (www.peteyorn.com)

Author rating: 6.5/10