De Stijl [Vinyl]

DE STIJL (literally translated, "the style," a European art movement that praises the virtue of simplicity in design), hints at a band that plays its music guided by simplicity in form and function. The 13 songs on DE STIJL show this stripped-down duo coming into their own with more complex arrangements and more varied instrumentation. DE STILJ features an electric violin, harmonica, and piano (played by singer Jack White). All in all, DE STIJL offers more dynamic range and melody than the band's debut and a (comparatively) slick production. From the confectionery pop bounce of "You're Pretty Good Looking," to the blues howler, "Hello Operator," to the dirge-like "Death Letter," DE STIJL is one step forward for a band deserving of a wider audience.