Rilo Kiley starlet showcases newest project release

On Aug. 31, Jenny Lewis and Jonathan Rice brought their new collaboration, Jenny & Johnny, to the Hollywood Amoeba Music store stage for a free, all-ages show coinciding with the release of their debut album, I’m Having Fun Now.

Lewis and Rice have wandered in and out of each other’s solo projects since 2006, when Lewis made the departure from Rilo Kiley’s hazy SoCal sound with the more country- and soul-inspired Rabbit Fur Coat. Rice also toured with Lewis in support of her 2008 album Acid Tongue, and shared writing credits on several of the tracks.

Power couple · The musical duet Jenny & Johnny plays an intimate show, premiering tracks from its new release I’m Having Fun Now. - James Watson | Daily Trojan

Although clearly a duo prior to Tuesday’s release, I’m Having Fun Now sees the two stake an equal and common claim in a project. They took center-stage side-by-side promptly at 6 p.m.

The warm, echoing timbre of their vocal duet was the dominant force of the show, at once soothing and electrifying. Add rolling guitar parts to the chorus-like refrains, and the show recalled 1960s-era California country-rock acts like The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Fans of Lewis already know and love her ability to portray defiance, exhaustion and humor with uncanny cohesion. During the song “My Pet Snakes,” her eyes guided the mesmerized crowd to the humor in the lyrics, her sorrowful gaze occasionally winking upwards into a revealing smirk. Although Rice tended to avert his gaze from the crowd, Lewis used hers to serve almost as an ambassador for their songs.

The worst thing that could be said about this show was the low degree of variety. The songs sound very similar to one another, although this is ultimately also a positive aspect. Too often bands release infectious singles that sound nothing like the albums they lure listeners to buy. Those songs get overplayed and robbed of their magic, as fans yearn for something new and mystically similar-yet-different.

Overall, the show had no low point — each tune was stylistically consistent and expertly delivered. Jenny & Johnny’s style, throughout its various permutations, remained rebellious, sweet and spirited. The band as a whole was tight and precise, leaving no space for quality comparisons of the live show and the record.

Tuesday’s show was fun, catchy and comforting. Admirably this was executed without any sacrifices of songwriting, precision or style. The performance was the first of many on its 2010 tour, leaving ample time to get on board with Jenny & Johnny’s love affair. They won’t steer you astray, but as Lewis declares in “My Pet Snakes,” I’ll sink this ship if I want.”