Brought to us by our pal Bob Schneider whom the duo frequently supports on the road.
Wanting to bring something new to the Dallas music scene, Ryan Hamilton and Jencey Hirunrusme create their own modern blend of folk, pop and rock in Smile Smile. Their songs range from heart wrenching ballads to foot stomping sing alongs. Jencey’s classical piano background teamed with Ryan’s self-taught guitar style combine to create sounds which both soar above you and pull you in tight at the same time.
“A sort of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah/Mazzy Star hybrid of sing-along folk, buzzy country-leaning tunes and uptempo/downtempo swings, with brilliantly unconventional songwriting and smart harmonies anchoring the whole deal.” Dallas Observer
Although known for their subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) back and forth jabs onstage, when the pair sing together their voices sound as if they are one. Stripping songs down to the bone and emphasizing the simplicity of beautiful music, is about the only thing the two can agree upon.
The Dallas duo who at one time was engaged parted ways and somehow managed to put together a harmonious, up-tempo, folk-friendly album. With tracks like “Cancer” (an up-tempo track that has a bit of a country twang) and the hauntingly beautiful “The Attic” it’s hard not to fall in love with this album.
“This boy-girl duo give me goosebumps with their lovesick punch. Two voices, drum machines, a guitar and a keyboard equal undeniable chemistry. It's emotional without being in-your-face – almost like you're eavesdropping on some pillow talk.” Quick DFW
Curious about their relationship? Ryan describes it best. “Jencey and I met a few years ago, dated, fell in love, wrote some songs, started our band Smile Smile, made our first record, Blue Roses, and got engaged to be married. We had a home, a life and were making plans for our future together. To say the least, that didn't really go as planned. We broke up.
Feeling lonely or simply let down by love? Crack a beer and pop in Smile Smile’s new Truth on Tape, a break-up album that will lift your spirits and maybe even open your heart to possibility—but not necessarily the romantic kind.
Smile Smile's Hearts Are Broken--But Its New Record Is Solid
But if you're expecting a record that is completely down in the dumps, this isn't that record. Instead, it meanders the up-and-down emotional territory that accompanies a breakup. Quite a few songs come off as more charming and hopeful than as a soundtrack to a night spent drinking and crying into your cocktail. The title track, "Truth on Tape," with the lyrics "This can't be permanent/I've got to leave this all behind/And here I go" feels more like an anthem of hope than it does a sad-sack breakup song.
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