(Hardly Art) www.hardlyart.com

Though Seattle’s Kimberly Morrison and Jesse Lortz, aka Dutchess and Duke, have played together since the early 2000s, 2007 witnessed the official birth of this royal pair and the release of their debut album. Immersed in ‘60s-inspired lo-fi Americana folk, the two create a very organic album full of acoustic guitars, tambourines, hand claps, harmony vocals and the occasional twangy electric guitar. Though lyrics such as “you fucked me in the phone booth” kill the carefree feel of “Strangers,” songs like “Armageddon Song,” where they account their version of the world’s end, make up for that crassness with the sentiment “now that I’ve got you by my side, I’m feeling alright.” After several listens the laid back, mellow tunes slowly enchant your subconscious like a Siren at sea and you find yourself reflexively waving to the music and humming the melodies.

Standout Tracks:“Out of Time,” “You Can Tell the Truth, Now” APRIL S. ENGRAM