(Acony)

(www.aconyrecords.com)

It could be argued, and no doubt successfully as well, that Whispertown 2000 chose their name with an eye -or rather, an ear - towards trumpeting truth in advertising.  Although their early association with Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett of Rilo Kiley might have steered them towards more pop-specific environs, the L.A. foursome leans more towards the haunted realms frequented by label mates and album contributors Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. 

Whispertown 2000 ply that gothic Americana to an even greater extent on this, their mournfully weary-sounding sophomore set.  Dual vocalists Morgan Nagler and Vanesa Corbala deliver tight harmonies and a woeful sway, occasionally tumbling over the edge with the woozy tilt and tipsy turbulence that accompanies both "103" and "Ebb and Flow."  The stagger morphs into a swagger with "Erase the Lines" and becomes a plaintive plea on "Atlantis," but the unhinged element keeps its consistency. Several tracks go roots retro -- the rustic "From the Start/Jamboree," which recalls Dylan and the Band's co-op efforts on the Basement Tapes, the folksy sing-along "Old Times," and "Lock and Key" a ragged, unruly stab at vintage rock ‘n' roll.  Mostly though, Whispertown 2000 keep their heads down and forlorn feelings intact.  

Standout Tracks: "From the Start/Jamboree," "Atlantis," "Erase the Lines" LEE ZIMMERMAN