Kane Strang has come a long way from the lo-fi alt-rock on his debut, Blue Cheese. The buzz generated by that album helped him secure an international record deal and, two years on, the Dunedin singer-songwriter has returned with Two Hearts and No Brain. Instead of following his former DIY approach, Strang teamed up with producer Steven Marr for this record; his influence results in a tightly focused, polished sound that allows Strang's clever, tongue-in-cheek songwriting to take centre stage.
Strang's voice is stronger than ever on Two Hearts; his soothing, deadpan tones answer powerfully to the rich layers of electric guitar, with a generous use of harmonies showcasing his dynamic range. His lyrics cross a number of terrains, ranging from forlorn and dejected to whimsical and ironic.
My Smile is Extinct is a delightful indie-pop example of the latter, delivered straight from a 90s teen movie, with Strang satirising his own heartbreak on a biting power chorus: "Kill me now, I want to die, there's a chance at an afterlife/I might not get let in, but at least I won't be living".
Despite the outward childishness of the line, Strang remains one step ahead in tone - an overarching strength that elevates the entire record. The more refined, nuanced production gives each song the muscle it deserves, and allows Strang to exhibit his maturity as a musician and songwriter. Songs such as the title track and Summertime in Your Lounge find Strang focusing his energy on creating sonic, immersive experiences, and the payoff is fantastic - they're some of the best songs on the album, offering intense, heady rushes of emotion.
