Pete Yorn

Produced by Bright Eyes' Mike Mogis, Pete Yorn's Back & Forth showcases a softer side of the artist who originally earned fame after writing the score to Jim Carrey's Me, Myself and Irene film. Yorn's distinctive alt-country background perseveres on this release, although in a mostly subdued and slow way, with tambourine, piano and acoustic guitar making up the majority of the sounds. Despite being teamed with an indie producer, Back & Forth seems only capable of winning over a gaggle of Switchfoot-loving females, or your mom, with lyrics that reference kisses and hand-holding, albeit alongside a mention or two of whisky. Ultimately, and unfortunately, the production reminds one of the floral, mundane qualities of James Blunt or of the Fray. Perhaps it was Yorn's forthcoming musical jaunt with Scarlett Johansson that robbed him almost entirely of his previous rock'n'roll edge.