Owen and Into It. Over It. are the respective solo projects of prominent Chicago-based songwriters Mike Kinsella and Evan Weiss β two musicians who are equally at ease performing on their own as they are sharing the stage in bands such as Capβn Jazz, American Football and Owls (for Kinsella), and The Progress, Stay Ahead of the Weather, and Pet Symmetry (for Weiss).
Having already joined forces to form the trio Their / Theyβre / There with guitarist Matthew Frank in 2013, for their latest collaboration Kinsella and Weiss each recorded a brand new track in addition to a cover of a favorite song from the other artistβs extensive catalog.
The Owen original βPoison Arrowsβ highlights Kinsellaβs caustic wit (βDid you wear that dress for me / Or is someone else writing you songs?β) over crystal clear accompaniment from an acoustic guitar, piano, and drums. For his cover of βAnchor,β Kinsella transforms the tranquil acoustic standout from Into It. Over It.βs album 52 Weeks into a full-on electric rocker replete with punk speed drums and shouted vocals during the chorus.
As Into It. Over It., Weiss contributes βLocal Language,β an uptempo tune with a vaguely alt-country stomp, as well as βPoor Souls,β which re-imagines the beautifully ornamented version found on Owenβs 2002 full-length No Good For No One Now as a bleary-eyed slow burner tinged with keyboards and melancholy.