The Shandies, Begin Again

The debut album Begin Again from Springfield-based acoustic duo The Shandies is rich in harmony and catchy melodies. The ten-track album features Natalie Wlodarczyk and Shannon Stine on layered guitar and vocal tracks. Friends offer instrumental assists throughout: Ivy Schulte (drums), Molly Healey (strings) and Jennifer Peyton (additional vocals). Begin Again was produced by Jim Rea, who also contributes bass and organ tracks. On an album that plays pretty low key, the first two tracks carry the most tempo. Aside from the opener “Reason to Wait,” all tunes check in at four minutes or greater. The album finds strength in ballads (“Last Chance Highway”) and playful turns of phrase (see the chorus of “Worst Critic”). The Shandies perform Thursday at Lindbergs for the Begin Again release party.