“The Chapin Sisters left the audience breathless from the first duet. Removing the microphones from their stands and leaving their guitars as solemn bookends, Abigail and Lily Chapin began their set with a soul-shaking acapella song entitled “Sweet Light.” Chillingly precise vocals allowed the magic of their music to shine throughout the evening as they demonstrated their dynamic control over the arc of melodic phrases, passages, and entire songs. Two sets of candy red lips and pearly white teeth formed words and vowels seamlessly together with a tightness that could make other sibling acts question the validity of their own genetic coupling. Their music is a beautiful blending of protest-era folk song, American roots music, and even elements sampled from the days of psychedelic rock, all held together by the unique sound of their line-on-line vocal interaction.”

“The common and compelling thread that runs through TWO is the sisters’ voices which are strong and clear and not wispy or delicate. To paraphrase Morrissey, Abigail and Lily’s vocal tones are ‘not happy, but not sad’, and they bring a solemnity to the arrestingly pure harmonies that twine ‘round each other like ivy, lifting and dipping with a hymnal quality.”

“gossamer pop yarns with ethereal sisterly harmonies”

“...the Chapin Sisters conjure something that seems both familiar and completely of the moment. The entire enterprise hinges on the power of human voices, resonating vocal cords, rib cages, air waves, ear drums and beating hearts.”

“The experience of watching the girls perform on their own, and not as part of a Chapin family presentation, is not to be missed. They move me so much that, were I 30 years younger, I would probably fall in love with each of them. :-) The entire world may not know it yet, but these girls are superstars. Each is a beautiful, talented musician in her own right and their voices blend perfectly in harmonies that are entrancing. Since East Coast appearances are rare for them, I seriously urge everyone to check the 'mini-tour' shown below and/or posted on their website at thechapinsisters.com. Find a way to get to one of the shows that is near where you live. Seriously, as their uncle, Harry Chapin, used to say, "Do Something.' And, the something you can do is to treat yourself to a live Chapin Sisters performance - an experience not to be missed.”

“After gaining notoriety for their morose cover of Britney Spears's "Toxic," Abigail and Lily Chapin got rid of their third half-sis and toured with She & Him. On last year's Two, their depressive folk engaged with brief moments of sunshine and gained the attention of Gang Gang Dance's Jesse Lee, who acts as one of their producers. Onstage, their wild manes and bohemian couture make them look like harmonizing Olsen Twins; their haunting harmonies add a sinister edge to the familial bond.”

“The title of the Chapin Sisters' new album, Two, has a double meaning: It's their sophomore release, but it also marks their paring down to a duo after the departure of their half-sister/Wes Craven's daughter Jessica Craven. But the eeriness that marked their debut didn't leave with her; their haunting harmonies now suggest Alan Lomax discovering the Shining twins, Appalachian folksiness blended with ghostly plaints.”

“...when the sisters sing, they are somehow able to conjure beautiful harmonies between them...”

“The second album (TWO) from American duo Abigail and Lily Chapin runs the gamut from pure folk to electrified country-rock with fluency and confidence. The tracks are lilting and melodic, with unfussy production and minimalist arrangements that emphasise the sisters' soaring harmonies, demonstrated to bewitching effect on the a cappella opener "Sweet Light". Elsewhere, tracks such as "Palm Tree" and "Roses In Winter" have a languid bar-room blues ambience, the crackling guitars providing an excellent counterpoint to sultry, enigmatic lyrics. It's a cool and contemporary record that should top the shopping list of any fans of Sheryl Crow or Nora Jones: highly recommended.”

“They opened with an acapella song called “Sweet Light” that perfectly illustrated their vocal togetherness and empathy. It was warm and poised, measured and made an immediate impact. The sisters, from a musical family, say they follow a quirky approach in a lot of their songs, looking at love from an oblique angle while happily exploring the darker side of relationships. The bittersweet “Let Me Go” from their LAKE BOTTOM LP is the perfect example, with Abigail’s haunting vocals that hinted of Aimee Mann: “My baby hates me/And it’s nobody’s fault but mine/He said he’d leave me/But he sure is taking his time” produced wry smiles all round. The Smiths’ plaintiff “I Know It’s Over” closed a show that convinced everyone that The Chapin Sisters’ know how to write and cover with aplomb. Their style and musical content will be reaching a larger audience when the word gets out, as it surely will.”

“US duo Abigail and Lily Chapin run the gamut from pure folk to electrified country-rock with fluency and confidence. The tracks are lilting and melodic, with unfussy production and minimalist arrangements that emphasise the sisters’ soaring harmonies, demonstrated to bewitching effect on the a cappella opener Sweet Light. Elsewhere, tracks such as Palm Tree and Roses In Winter have a bar-room blues ambience. It's a cool and contemporary record.”

“They’re not fooling when it comes to their talent – they can sing, and on this album they prove it. This album has taken a kind of 180 degree turnaround from their initial more playfully pessimistic tones, which were evident in some of their earlier music. Granted, there are still glimpses of their quirky and dark humour injected in with their lush tones, but it’s worth it when you’re in on the subtle joke. Ten songs move over less than an hour, so you’d better sit down somewhere, because once you start this album up, you won’t want to get up until it’s over!”

“With new album TWO to flog, the duo of Abigail, taking over most of the lead vocals, and Lily, whose perfect-pitch harmonies and soft vocal complement so well, recreate the stripped-down acoustic tunes of 'Left All Alone', 'I Can Feel' and other newbies perfectly. Even when tackling tunes from debut Lake Bottom LP, previously fleshed out by their sibling, they are more than ably matched. 'Don’t Love You', recalls hopeless romantics such as Leonard Cohen or Dylan. As has happened stateside though, it’s the pair’s radical reworking of Britney Spears’ 'Toxic' that is sure to grab the most attention, stripped to minor picked chords and the emphasis firmly on the desperate nature of the lyrics. The sisters finish off with an equally downbeat cover of The Smiths’ great 'I Know It’s Over'. Lets hope they get the big audience they deserve next time.”

“... a bewitchingly distinctive sound that was instantly apparent from their a capella opening number, 'Sweet Light', a lingering, echoing, exquisitely eerie number evocative of female plainsong. Both sisters' vocal range spanned from bright soprano top-notes to resonantly limpid depths. As its title suggests, the wearily regretful 'Don't Love You' offered a deft antithesis of a conventional love-song, with just a hint of protesting too much; the imploring fervour of 'Drop Me' verged uneasily on masochism; while the darkly deadpan sentiments of 'Girlfriend' conveyed a definite hint of menace towards the spoken-for object of its affections. Boldly reinvented covers of Britney Spears's 'Toxic' and the Smiths' 'I Know It's Over' highlighted a breadth of influence that infused the songs' country-folk core with elements of 1970s California and contemporary indie-pop, creating a strongly crafted foundation beneath the immediate allure of the Chapins' sublime singing.”

“The duo’s stock is riding high in their home country at present following the album’s warm critical reception and a tour last year with retro-pop duo She and Him. The wooden floor and forgotten ballroom atmosphere of Leaf is an ideal setting to take in the sisters’ sumptuous folk tunes...”

“Of all the fragrant sisterly duos out there just now – Secret Sisters, Webb Sisters, The Pierces (throwing a curveball by leaving off the "sisters" bit) – The Chapin Sisters, aka Lily and Abigail Chapin, nieces of folk singer/songwriter Harry Chapin, are possibly the most wispy and winsome of the lot. But even though you could knock them over with a feather, there is a tranquil allure to the wistful country/folk-flavoured acoustic pop on TWO, their helpfully titled second album, and first as a duo following half-sister Jessica Craven's "leave of absence".”

“This second album from the sisters from LA doesn't stray too far from their folk roots. The songs ae well-crafted with an honest and passinate intensity. Their voices are sweet and stuning, best seen on 'Paradise' while 'Trouble' bursts into country roots with some banjo. Lovely, traditional feel.”

“If you like your melodic popular song to have a touch of the melodramatic about it (AND WHO DOESN'T?) then can we point you in the direction of THE CHAPIN SISTERS. ...his (Tom Chapin) outrageously talented daughters who were something of a knockout at this years's SXSW Festival where they enraptured all and sundry with their beguiling ways. They've got more than a touch of the Appalachian family groups of your about them - with the kind of pristine harmonies to back up such comparisons - but they've also got a haunting quality that infuses their melodies with a certain amount of drama. And there's a well-judged contemporary air swirling around their nether regions too with poppy elements being introduced alongside blues and psychedelic flourishes.”

“This latest offering follows on closely from the duo's live EP - Oh, Hear The Wind Blow - which received great acclaim when it was released earlier this year. A collection of ten melodic, often melancholic tracks, TWO perfectly homes in on the sisters' harmonies. Add to this some fine acoustic guitar, lush keyboards and layered percussion, and you've got an album that delivers elements of pop, blues and psychedelic rock, despite being fundamentally a folk album.”

“TWO just tapped as best “Acoustic Ensemble” album of the year!”

“The real treat here is the sororal, wholesomely salubrious harmonies and nostalgically haunting melodies that the duo conjure on all ten originals, recalling sister acts of old and Appalachian family groups yet possessing a contemporary flavor by cleverly incorporating elements of pop, blues and folk with tinges of psychedelia.”

""We play with the emotional quality of our voices, jumping around and making them higher and lower. We’re very conscious to make it weirder than the average duet.” That “weird” quality, as she (Abigail) puts it, lends a haunting dissonance to TWO, released last September. It’s a gut-punch of emotion anchored by those voices, at times filled with dread and hopelessness, at others soaring to heights of beauty that seem star-shot with night-sky beauty. There’s an otherworldly feel to many of the songs, a dreamy, just-out-of-reach quality that makes it impossible to describe."

“Daughters of 1970s folkie Tom, thus nieces of the storied Harry, Abigail and Lily Chapin add sisterly harmonies and innocent melodies to their slightly skewed acoustic music. They've garnered attention for stylized covers of Madonna, the Smiths, and Britney Spears, but original tunes on their 2010 disc, Two, were wistful and sublime.”

“The Chapin Sisters’ most recent album, “Two,” has earned high praise, and they’ve spent lots of time touring and performing with acclaimed folk-pop duo She & Him, featuring M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel. ...being inside a tiny studio when Abigail and Lily deliver their vocal magic really can raise the hair on the back of your neck. ...their tough-to-pigeonhole approach, which breaks new folk-pop ground while unfurling lyrics with a haunting and poignant milieu.”

“The Chapin Sisters, nieces of "Cats in the Cradle" songwriter Harry Chapin, do their uncle proud with smart songs and tight sibling harmonies. (concert review)”

“The Chapin Sisters (who performed with She and Him at the Uptown last year) reprised their gothic-folk makeover of the Britney Spears hit “Toxic.” During the rest of their set, they rendered the kind of vibe that recalls the Roches and the McGarrigle Sisters, but in darker hues. When some of their tourmates came out and gave them a full-band backup, they sounded like formidable alt-country band. (concert review, w/Rooney & EISLEY) ”

“Two, their second, self-released album, features the smooth vocals of Abigail and Lily Chapin and comes with songs that go down the road of an obsessive and neurotic un-returned love. The album’s all about getting to be with that perfect other but not being able to – and other such joys of yearning for the forbidden fruit. ... While there’s a good balance of dark and light on this album, I do find myself devouring the darker tunes. Vocally, it’s easy to say that these two own their music. It feels though, that this album just touches the surface and that the Chapin Sisters are headed even deeper, and I, for one, cannot wait.”

“Sisters Lily and Abigail Chapin do it better when it comes to folk-pop.”

"...It was pretty incredible. The Chapin Sisters, who are opening for us on tour, played Largo with Zooey Dechanel. They sang backup for her on the She & Him recordings. Zooey’s husband Ben, from Death Cab for Cutie sang ‘Last Christmas’. Jenny & Johnny did some songs..." - Louie Stevens of Rooney discussing the Beauty Shop show in Dec

“Their is a subtle beauty to the sisters' music. It's not in your face. It's not trying too hard. It's simple, beautiful, and haunting. The music is gloomy, but not in a way that makes you feel sad. The lead track "Sweet Light" isn't the best song on the album, but it does a great job of setting the stage for what it to come: subtle melancholy, great harmonies, and songs that meld a near-perfect combo of folk, pop, and country sensibilities.”

“...a haunting collection you won't be able to get out of your head.”

“The concert was so beautiful. First Zooey and The Chaplin sisters opened with an acapella version of "Silent Night". The special guests included The Chaplns father and sister, Samantha Shelton (formerly from the cabaret group If All the Stars were Pretty Babies with Zooey), Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond, The Decemberists) and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for a Cutie) EVERYONE was so precious. ...everyone sang beautifully. ...they ended the show with "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and everyone was singing along, but no one knew the verses and it got all silent, it was pretty funny. That night Zooey and the Chapin Sisters announced that they are starting a new band together, that is going to be called “Beauty Shop”. The night was just perfect— it made my Christmas.”

“The Chapin Sisters, “Boo Hoo.” An ethereal, odd juxtaposition of the childish, often mockingly used title and a sophisticated, earnest vocal treatment of the phrase – simple in concept and lyrics yet complex in its enigma and effects. There’s an unobtrusive, piano-based musical setting, but the voices of Abigail and Lily Chapin are mysteriously alluring in their phrasing and harmonies, creating a tension between immaturity and adult concerns.”

“…on their latest CD, the aptly titled TWO, Abigail and Lily pick up the slack with a set of new tunes that shows the Chapins are ever evolving, even as they retain their traditional Appalachian harmonies mixed with gentle pop hooks. Craven does make a few songwriting contributions, and singer-guitarist Abigail is still the group’s bedrock, but Lily — whose early songs were sometimes treacly and facile — surprises with a fuller, deeper range of emotions and melodies. New tracks like “I Can Feel,” “Paradise” and “Sweet Light” are pastoral yet eerie, as the duo’s searing voices echo through the woods like melancholic ghosts.”

“TWO is just that; the two voices of sisters Abigail and Lily delicately intertwining among sparse instrumentation to create powerful harmonies that simultaneously awe with their beauty and recollect memories probably better left untouched... The album begins with a capella “Sweet Light”, an introduction to The Chapin Sisters’ mesmerizing harmonies. The reverberating voices haunt you, seeming so immediate and intimate even when the lyrics contemplate something as impersonal as light...”

“Get your eerie on with The Chapin Sisters (headline) ...the sparse folk-rock duo of Lily and Abigail Chapin, whose funereal new “Two” set rings with the backwoods harmonies of vintage Carter Family sides. Which adds up, since it was tracked in a spooky old barn in rural New Jersey, where the girls set up a makeshift studio. The girls — who’ll play Café Du Nord in San Francisco next Wednesday — honed their singing at a Waldorf School, where they studied not only orchestral music, but classic English folk and the complicated historical method of Shape-Note singing. “Two” may only be their second album, but these Edward Gorey-ish siblings have already trilled on records from Vetiver, Gary Louris and Will Oldham, and toured alongside M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel’s She & Him. If you like your folk with an eerie, Appalachian-murder-ballad edge, this show is not to be missed.”

“TWO, opens with the windswept a capella lines of "Sweet Light," proving that, wow, these girls can really sing. In fact, they were the ideal choice for backup vocals on She and Him's recent tour—their warm but not overly glossy singing is not that dissimilar from Zooey Deschanel's. The record was recorded in the New Jersey countryside (yes, there is such a thing) and is a low-key, pretty album with a charming homespun vibe.”

“...the Chapin Sisters are blazing their own path with music that draws from folk-music tradition, but still sounds fresh and attracts hipsters on the hunt for anything au courant.”

“Following a debut, Lake Bottom, that garnered universal praise for its odd dark beauty, the sisters now return with a new CD unmistakably cast in the mold of Lake: drear, haunting, evocative, and gorgeous. Right from the a cappella intro, one doesn't mistake the funereal pallor of the Usherine refrains for any lack of thoughtfulness, as these ladies are quite unhedging in exploring the dimly lit recesses of human emotion within a sonic environment. Most others merely touch on the sentiments and then move on but not the Chapins. Like a pair of Hamlet's Ophelias, they swim in them, then descend to the bottom of the idyllic river, completely submerged . . . The arrangements are particularly sparkling, if we can call something so Gothic 'sparkling,' woven with a spare knowing hand. Two, however, is a CD for a darkened chapel, the lull before a storm, perhaps soundtracking for angst and dolor following a romantic severance. Almost like the blues, it uplifts as it depresses.”

“Two is an album of graveyard ballads, alt-country finery, and torch folk. The strength of their voices lend an earthy grit not found in albums that furrow similar ground (Hope Sandoval, Orenda Fink, et al), and songs like "Sweet Light" and the "Rose in Winter" are undeniable.”

“...on their second release, Abigail and Lily Chapin offer a haunting, spooky atmosphere in the vein of Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings on the opening Sweet Light. ...a lovely,'50s inspired slow dance ballad/waltz called Palm Tree, a song very few could improve upon. ...when The Chapin Sisters "take it easy," the results are extremely enjoyable.”

“Their talent rests with how the two sisters wrap each note through a new sustained note. Each girl overlaps seamlessly, effortlessly, but the note is left perfect at the end of this process.”

“On the new album, the 21st century folk sirens start off a capella, foreshadowing plenty of fetching vocal moments throughout. Before it’s all over, they’ve laid their graceful, gilded harmonies over soul, fleeting synth flourishes, ‘60s pop and country-blues.”

“The album sets the tone early with a seductive, shadowy sound and runs with it. The sisters do an excellent job consistently delivering unsettlingly beautiful pop folk, with Carpenters-esque piano ballad "Paradise" and the low growl of bluesy electric guitar over harmonized vocals on "Rose In The Winter" both chilling and gorgeous. A church organ casts an enveloping shadow on desolate love song "I Can Feel", as the sisters lovingly question why they can feel everything their man does, but he seemingly feels nothing for them in return. The stark, heartfelt harmonized lyrics leave you waiting for the moment they flip a switch and start talking about dissecting him with a knife, but they keep things sad and sweet. As haunting as they can be, slinky country ballad "Palm Tree" is a gorgeous love song with some of the most velvety vocals of the album leaving a lasting impression.”

“As any fan of Will Ferrell comedy "Elf" knows, Zooey Deschanel's no stranger to holiday roles. The actress and She & Him singer will take on a new one on December 22, when she joins the Chapin Sisters for an event titled Beauty Shop. Details are scarce, but the inaugural holiday bash will feature Deschanel joining Lily and Abigail Chapin (who've both opened for and performed with She & Him on the group's summer tour) for an evening of music and holiday cheer. The trio will perform for the first time as Beauty Shop, with special guests (Deschanel better half Ben Gibbard, perhaps?) and rumors of eggnog present as well. No word on what they'll be performing, but judging by the name, '50s classics and girl-group harmonies sound like a safe bet. The $40 event will take place at Largo to benefit WHY Hunger and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and will be one of many festive shows the venue has planned for December.”

“...The Chapin Sisters who, unexpectedly, delivered one of the most gripping live performances I’ve ever been privileged to witness. Their starting note, a sprawling harmony, immediately silenced the audience, provoked goose bumps and had every individual utterly transfixed on the stage. To describe the sound of their vocal dynamic I can only really say that it was otherworldly. Their voices meshed in such a transcendent way that regardless of if they were playing an original song or covering Britney Spears, there was a shared meaning that was felt by each person listening. No joke. The soulful sisters made "Toxic" as emotionally loaded as "The Rain Song." Their interpretation of folk music was one clearly based on extensive knowledge and, combined with their natural skill, they did a damn good job of it.”

“The beginning of the show opened with the silken harmonies of The Chapin Sisters, which includes Abigail and Lily, daughters of folk singer Tom Chapin. Their folk pop melodies were a concoction of bluegrass jazz and the sopping wet siren girls from blockbuster O Brother Where Art Thou. The willowy sisters captured the audience in a 45 minute set and did not fail to deliver. My personal favorite was their haunting acoustic rendition of Britney Spears’s “Toxic”...”

“...the whole album is consistently great and is basically a journey through all of the emotion these two are feeling, and will leave you emotionally drained in the best possible way and wanting more at the end.”

“Lily and Abigail Chapin, the singing, songwriting sisters who perform under the name The Chapin Sisters, prove that soaring family harmonies and hauntingly beautiful melodies are hard to beat on their second album, “Two.” The album’s opening track, “Sweet Light,” is reminiscent of a mythological siren, evoking the kind of sinister tenderness that makes you sit up and listen. That dichotomy of light and dark is what makes this album so interesting as the sisters transition from pure ballads to lurid rock with ease.”

“...the songs on Two are characterized by an academic eccentricity, not the privileged aloofness one might expect from children of celebrities. Two is strongly influenced by English and Celtic folk traditions but at times verges on pop. In tone, it's mainly minimalist.. The Sisters' lyrics cut a wider swath. Never overwrought, they concern mostly longing for love, and use imagery from the natural world. Their form can be poetic or prosaic... The Chapin Sisters also share some of their father's activism: Their album's liner notes promote WhyHunger, an organization that advocates for solutions to food-supply problems. It's a touch that dovetails with the band's vibe: more sincere than ironic, more early-folk-revival than freak-folk. While the famous offspring hint at crossover appeal when their majestic harmonies turn toward the pop end of the spectrum, the band's biggest rewards are for those who like old-style earnest folk.”

“The way in which the two sisters’ voices mix together complements the ephemeral nature of the music. They sound more like a distaff Lennon/McCartney than a traditional sibling act...The other striking feature of this record is just how relaxed both sisters sound. The songs move at a tranquil pace without ever sounding slow. The Chapin Sisters have discovered that one doesn’t have to rush or shout or have something important to say to create resonant art. Sometimes a sigh is more significant than an intense emotion, just as sometimes Bach is preferable to Beethoven and a meringue better than a torte. Enjoy the album for what it is and what it is not.”

“Seeing The Chapin Sisters and She & Him in concert is enough to make even the world's most bitter, loveless cynic believe that sweet girls and the innocent and carefree love of youth really do exist. The Chapin Sisters, who consist of Abigail and Lily, are an American folk band whose sound is grounded in rock, bluegrass, roots and jazz. The willowy blond stature of both sisters only adds to the thereal feel of their music, which features haunting and pristine harmonies set atop of gentle acoustic guitar. ...the Chapins Sisters were a real treat.”

“Abigail and Lily Chapin have been singing together their whole lives, but they've really hit their stride with Two ( Lake Bottom), their second album and first as a duo. Dark, spare songs like "Digging a Hole" and "Birds in My Garden" are hypnotic in their simplicity; the piano-driven "Boo Hoo" wraps you in its warm cocoon. Chiming guitars and ambling banjos augment the sisters' yearning harmonies; absent lovers and empty hearts fill their lyrics. You don't want to miss them now.”

“Besides the great music, the other main attraction at a Chapin Sisters show is the in-between song banter between the sisters in the style of SNL's Delicious Dish sketch. The humor is completely deadpan and the one-liners catch you off guard every time. "Is anyone hear from Maryland?" (one guy claps). "It's always great when people cross state lines to see us play." "It is." "Good times." Okay, so they didn't really add the good times at the end, but I totally did in my head...”

“The crowd was instantly taken with the opening act of the Chapin sisters, who have been touring with She & Him playing as a duo as well as providing supporting vocals for the band. Real life sisters, Abigail and Lily, have been using the tour to promote their new record “two”. A new musical discovery for many in the audience the sisters folky alternative sound was a perfect beginning to the night as they presented heart breakingly beautiful originals as well as a dark take on Britney Spear’s “Toxic”. (from review of SHE & HIM Vancouver show 10/24)”

“The Chapins hopped on the stage while banging on their tambourines, making the most of their last night on the road (w/SHE & HIM this year). Hats off to the trio for providing the band with flawless, earthy harmonies. Real-life siblings Abigail and Lily have also had a regular stint opening for She & Him, thus introducing fans to intricate folk songs off their sophomore record, Two. I was thoroughly impressed by their perfect vocal synchronicity on the eerie a capella track “Sweet Light” and the alternative folk composition, “Let Me Go”. Abigail’s deep voice mixed with Lily’s lighter, bluesy tone echoed beautifully in the grand theatre. Their unexpected acoustic arrangement of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” took away the bubble-gum veneer of the top 40 hit and gave it a sinister edge that absolutely killed.”

“Steeped in the history of a musical legacy and grounded in the traditional sister act model of Appalachia, the sisters contribute a sweet and subtle set of sparse folk songs. With minimalist lyrics the Chapins convey the theme of inclement weather, exploring through words and vocal harmonies the emotional toll of exterior and interior storms. Standouts include the melancholy waltz “I Can Feel”, the soaring chorale of “Sweet Light”, and the driving percussion and chanting of “Digging a Hole.” Two is a lovely, quiet album that grows deeper with every listen. SIMILAR | The Candles, Cat Power, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Espers, Jenny and Johnny, She & Him, Winter Flowers”

“You really need a scratchy vinyl copy, an old turntable and an overcast afternoon to get the full effect of the Chapin Sisters' second album, "Two." Full of sparse folksy arrangements, forlorn lyrics about impossible loves, the nighttime drone of cicadas and the kind of supernaturally close harmonies that can only come from a lifetime of singing together, "Two" sounds like it emanates from some deep corner of the 1970s, as if you found it digging crates at a secondhand store instead of downloading it from iTunes.”

“The tunes off their new album, "Two," are stripped down, with tight, unique vocal harmonies, dark lyrics and melodies that haunt the listener long after the last note is uttered. In spite of their flowing dresses, in spite of the golden locks that fall to their guitars as they play, it would be simplistic, if not misleading, to call their music folk. "Maybe stylistically, our music fits in a different decade, but I also think we reference a lot of things that didn't exist in another decade," Abigail says. "It's folk if you're comparing it to hip-hop, hard rock and metal. But if you're comparing it within the folk world, it's very different. . . .”

“Despite their sweet vocals, The Chapin Sisters are not writing cotton candy pop music. These are songs where beneath the surface of sweetness there is the recognition that love is not always the answer and trouble is the lot of us all, even if we've "got no time for trouble," as "Trouble," the last and one of the finest songs on the CD exclaims. Two is a relatively short collection, ten songs running something more than half an hour, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. These are the kinds of songs that grow on you, the more you listen, the better you like them, the more you listen the more they mean.”

“The aptly titled Two is a solid sequel to the Chapin Sisters critically hailed 2008 debut, Lake Bottom LP. With Jessica Craven on hiatus and focusing on her family, siblings Abigail and Lily take up the slack, their delicate, shimmering harmonies effectively filling the newfound space in the sound. The daughters of veteran singer and songwriter Tom Chapin (and the neices of his late brother Harry), the Chapins clearly have folk in their genes. They boldly commence the album with a pristine a capella “Sweet Light.” and their cushy, cascading vocals imbue subsequent songs like “Roses in Winter,” “Birds in my Garden” and Boo Hoo” with a gentle angelic ambiance.”

“It’d be more romantic if these 2 swamp-folk sisters were the subject of a triumphant Susan Boyle story of accidental discovery, but they’re the LA scions of Tom Chapin (nieces of Harry). Nevertheless, at least they sound like Appalachian Von Trapps who passed the time singing in the flowers in between hard farm chores. Usually they’re like an unplugged Dixie Chicks with souls, but they can also pull off a good Wilson Phillips imitation, as evidenced in the Sarah-McLachlan-tinged “Boo Hoo.” Two tones down the horror stuff just a tad from their 2008 LP Lake Bottom (though “Sweet Light”’s subject matter is obviously grave) reaching more for pure emotion in the Patsy Cline-esque “I Can Feel"... Grade: A-”

“It’s just your average musical success story: Two sisters born into a famous musical family move from New York to L.A; craft a melodic sound rooted in traditional folk music; create a local buzz with a unique Britney Spears cover; contribute vocals to recordings for various artists including the Jayhawks’ Gary Louris, Will Oldham and Lavender Diamond; and most recently went on tour with indie pop duo She & Him. That pretty much sums up the career trajectory thus far of Brooklyn-born indie folksters Abigail and Lily Chapin otherwise known as the Chapin Sisters.”

“Eerie is as eerie does. On the newish Two (Lake Bottom), the Chapin Sisters unite serenity and spookiness. There’s a luscious calm to their milky folk-pop, but more than a few of their tunes seem to be sung in a graveyard under a full moon. The harmonizing sibs have several ways of making this a fetching process, especially when they turn to the ghostly chant of “Digging a Hole.” The daughters of songwriter Tom Chapin, Abigail and Lily have absorbed Appalachian harmonies and Sacred Harp singing. Both styles bubble up in the singular way they blend their voices; check their siren’s spin through Britney’s “Toxic” for proof that in their hands almost any tune can take a haunting turn. And consider “Birds In My Garden” a study in luminous gloom; regardless of how many “la-la-la-la-las” they tag at the end, it still carries the weight of a dirge.”

“Editor's Pick: Wednesday, Oct 13th - The Chapin Sisters at The Spot Underground. Eerie is as eerie does. On the newish Two (Lake Bottom), the Chapin Sisters unite serenity and spookiness. There's a luscious calm to their milky folk-pop, but the tunes all seem to be sung in a graveyard under a full moon. The harmonizing sibs have several ways of making this a fetching process, especially when they turn to a ghostly chant on "Digging a Hole." The daughters of songwriter Tom Chapin, Abigail and Lily have absorbed Appalachian harmonies and Sacred Harp singing. Both styles bubble up in the singular way they blend their voices; check their introspective spin through Britney's "Toxic" for proof that in their hands almost any tune can take a haunting turn. And consider "Birds In My Garden" a study in luminous gloom; regardless of how many "la-la-la-la-las" they tag at the end, it still carries the weight of a dirge.”

“Review of Oh, Hear The Wind Blow - EP ...a folk acoustic universe based on the tragic and captivating vocal harmonies and melodies that are both accessible and complex. this ep will discover all these titles in a new light since re-recorded under conditions live in the studio and re-arranged with the help of the musicians The Brothers Brothers (Dan Horne on bass Louis Stephens on keyboards and Aaron Sperske on drums). More than ever, their music remains in the vein neo folk/psychedelic even flirting with the pop of the sixties/seventies. So delicious that it is irresistible.”

“***** (5 stars) Despite it's straightforward title, Two actually manages to up the ante over the Chapin Sisters' critically-lauded 2008 debut, Lake Bottom LP, and succeeds in that regard by actually doing more with less. ...as daughters of veteran singer/songwriter Tom Chapin, and the nieces of the still-missed Harry Chapin, they obviously have a fairly high standard to live up to. Happily, their supple vocals find them largely up to the task. Commencing the album with a pristine a cappella "Sweet Light" is, in its way, a bold entry, but with their tender musings dominating subsequent songs like "Rose In Winter," "Birds In My Garden" and "Boo Hoo," their gentle, angelic presence quickly makes itself known. Those less tolerant of such a precious posture may find this all a bit twee, but then again, this wouldn't be the record for them to begin with. As for those who do have an appreciation for pure folk finesse, Two would seem a genuine treasure.”

“...they're like an un-plugged Dixie Chicks with souls.”

“Abigail and Lily Chapin create beautiful harmonies in the style of folk family acts of the past. The record effortlessly moves from very classic-feeling folk melodies to very modern-feeling arrangements. The haunting melancholic air of certain tracks is reminiscent of psychedelic rock, while others have a blues influence. The first half of the record is very haunting and chill; halfway through it starts to build up more energy. Track 4, “I’m Digging Hole,” has steady pounding drums that seem to call the listener to march, while Track 5, “Palm Tree,” is a ballad that oozes with heartbreak. All in all, melancholy is the theme and harmony is the means.”

“The 5 best songs you have never heard (headline) "Toxic" by The Chapin Sisters Yes, "Toxic" is originally a Britney Spears song, and this is the first cover that I have named in this column to date. However, this beautiful arrangement qualifies as a new song entirely, from its rhythmically light guitar to its incredible overlapped harmonies. The Chapin Sisters have flawless voices made all the more impressive by their lack of auto-tune or synthesized gimmicks. I first discovered the talented duo this past summer when I saw them open for She & Him, and their performance of this cover gave me the chills. Listening to it now, the effect is the same.”

“...all I can do is tell you how beautiful this album is. Amazing harmonies, songs, and their backup band rocks too. They have quite a full sound for a folk duo- which is refreshing as it goes against the grain. At times they sound like a modern-day folk version of CSNY or any of that era's great folk-rock, and I mean this more as an actual comparison than a compliment. They get a little psychedelic at times-more in the modern psych-folk vein than the original 60's psychedelic one however. As far as I'm concerned, they are one of the best traditional folk-rock artists around.”

“Their voices are haunting yet comforting, and they harmonize beautifully. ...it’s simple but holds interest and creates an appropriate atmosphere for the sad lyrics.The sadness also has a beauty to it, which the vocals certainly enhance. It’s doubtful that anyone can make lyrics like, “Why do I keep trying at romance? I am hopeless; I’ll never succeed,” sound as sweet as the Chapin Sisters do. The emotions in every song on “Two” are easy to connect with, sometimes amusingly so, and create a strong relationship with the listener. This makes it a personal experience to listen through the whole album.”

“With a gentle touch of soft, atmospheric feminine vocals and indie folk acoustic guitar workings, The Chapin Sister’s are able to create another staple to any folk fan’s collection. There are bluesy touches to certain songs with melancholy lyrics, soft whispery vocals, and piano to conclude this melodic, warm album. The ultimate ethereal pop album with emotional heartfelt lyrics, soft and soulful girl vocals, folky guitars, bluesy pianos, and minimalist instrument affects.”

“In an age of fractured genres and equally fractured attention spans, pretty music faces unenviable opposition. Even still, the occasional act manages to pierce through the armored gates of popular convention and gain notoriety for assembling sounds which are unequivocally wholesome and pristine. One thinks of artists such as Neko Case or Jenny Lewis, both of whom have managed to turn beautiful drawls into relatively big audiences, and nipping at their heels are The Chapin Sisters.”

“Despite their sweet vocals, The Chapin Sisters are not writing cotton candy pop music. These are songs where beneath the surface of sweetness there is the recognition that love is not always the answer and trouble is the lot of us all, even if we've "got no time for trouble," as "Trouble," the last and one of the finest songs on the CD exclaims. Two is a relatively short collection, ten songs running something more than half an hour, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. These are the kinds of songs that grow on you, the more you listen, the better you like them, the more you listen the more they mean.”

“The Chapin Sisters have a great Laurel Canyon vibe about them, calling to mind the acts who populated that legendary locale in the late 60s and early 70s, blending folk, country, and rock.”

“The music is characterized by the sisters’ lovely harmony singing–the lyrics carry an undercurrent of tension and angst that contradicts folk music’s sometimes lightweight nature.”

“My record of the week goes out to The Chapin Sisters and their new album, Two. Slow burning melodies, touching lyrics, and a kind mixture of temperament and variant song are what we have here. Fields of harmonies overlook a mood sifting from the solemn to elsewhere quaint places of release held in place by spare instrumentation. “Digging a hole” is a sun gone down river wade with implied nocturnal spirits conjured by near sole tribal beat. “Palm Tree” is a slow dance request of rejuvenated spirit done up in still wanting and wondering with the feeling its all gonna pass. Play this one at night or in the morning. Very Nice.”

“The best track of the album is “Palm Tree,” a wonderfully crafted song that visually reminds me of a desert oasis. I love how lazily this song moves along… the sisters grab hold of their folky style but throw in a bit more blues, some gospel, and find a vocal line that suits their relaxed delivery. “Palm Tree” finally opens the doors wide open for the Chapin Sisters in a direction I sincerely hope they explore more in their future releases. This sound suits them so well and plays on how they appear to be naturally – mellow, introspective, haunting, and unobtrusive.”

“lovely and occasionally arresting...”

“Fans of contemporary folk should warm to “Two,” which includes highlights “Sweet Light,” “I Can Feel,” “Birds In My Garden” and “Trouble.” The Chapin Sisters continue the family legacy of first-rate songwriting and powerful vocals on this 10-track collection...”

“...musically, the show was ravishing. Abigail and Lily’s harmony vocals are nothing less than breathtaking, and their songwriting is genuinely inspired. They weave together elements of ’60s folk, ’70s California rock, and old-fashioned Appalachian blues into a hauntingly compelling mix.”

“Mostly down-tempo, these ten songs cast a definite mood of quiet melancholy. But the chilly, overcast atmosphere gives way at crucial moments to warmth and sunshine. The strengths of the album lay in its subtleties, which emerge over repeated listening. Two is an album of subtle but rich pleasures, recommended to those with a taste for intricate vocal harmonies. ”

“...a crackerjack release, beautifully serene and mysterious in equal measure. With heavy echo swathing nearly all the music on the disc, setting it in the distance when present to start with, the focus gets placed on their voices first and foremost; even at the music's loudest. ...there's an air of distanced regard sometimes at work, there's also a sudden lively kick present too. The arrangements for the music do throw in some intriguing twists -- there seems to be an almost perfect balance -- a relative straightforwardness in singing plus music that becomes greater than the sum of its parts.”

"People always comment on how “dark” our lyrics are. I think we’re just trying to write from a place of truth, and when you do that, uncomfortable emotions or ideas can come to the surface. We don’t limit our subject matter, but lately, that has been something that has come to the surface for some reason, though if you listen closely, there are brighter moments of hope and love and ecstasy in almost all of the songs." - Lily Chapin

“Two is a delicately spun collection of songs that evoke the particular kind of synergy that can only be found in family acts. Abigail and Lily have created a record that not only makes us wish we were more in sync with our own kin (and you know, musically talented) but also breathes fresh life into idea of what a female singer/songwriter is.”

“Moving away from the straight-ahead sibling folk of their earlier work, the Chapin Sisters explore a more soulful pop direction of their new EP, “Oh, Hear the Wind Blow.’’ Recent Berklee grad Liz Longley opens. Oct. 15, 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. Cafe 939. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com”

“There are so many “Sisters” bands these days that I tend to confuse them with each other, but The Chapin Sisters are definitely one that stands out. Their new sophomore album Two was just released is sometimes haunting, sometimes just plain pretty, and entirely worthy of your attention.”

“The Chapin Sisters come from an intensely musical family and grew up saturated in American roots music and folk-rock. They attended a private school as children that emphasized music education through orchestral music and old English folk ballads, and sang on over a dozen studio albums throughout elementary school and high school. They have since recorded vocals on a number of albums by a variety of artists. It makes sense then, that their voices and vocal harmonies are so precise, glorious and well sculpted, and that their song writing is so compelling. ...the overall achievement of Two rests on how The Chapin Sisters succeeded in reminding me that there is something bigger than me that is the source for all the love in the world—and that it can be accessed through music.”

“The Chapin Sisters shed a half-sister between the appearance of the local outfit's 2008 debut and the just-issued Two. But even minus Jessica Craven (on maternal leave), Lily and Abigail Chapin — daughters of children's-music star Tom Chapin and nieces of "Cat's in the Cradle" folkie Harry Chapin — weave a lush fabric of voices in their new songs, many of which seem less concerned with sounding old-timey than did the group's earlier ones. (The appealingly spooky "Digging a Hole" actually reminds me of Suzanne Vega's oddball industrial-folk outing, 99.9F. At least some credit for that should probably go to co-producer Jesse Lee, of New York's avant-jam crew Gang Gang Dance.) In addition to playing their own shows, the Chapins have spent time this year as part of the She & Him live band, a high-profile gig that's likely tightened their stagecraft. Oh, and make sure to yell out for their cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic."”

“These two singer-songwriters have quite a pedigree. Their father is Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tom Chapin and the late Harry Chapin (of “Cat’s in the Cradle” fame) was their uncle. Once a trio, they’re now a duo after half-sister Jessica Craven took a break to spend more time with her new baby. The siblings have collaborated with many indie-rock types — including She & Him, Gang Gang Dance’s Jesse Lee, who co-produced their new album, “Two,” and Lavender Diamond — but their music has the antique feel of early country.”

“Hearing this first single from the Chapin Sisters’ sophomore album “Two,” I’m not the least bit bothered by the fact that, despite the rhyme, palm trees don’t have leaves. I’m rather … er, frond of it. The music made by sisters Abigail and Lily Chapin (and, previously, half-sister Jessica Craven, who is currently on hiatus to spend time with her new baby) smolders with mystery, inviting you inside with straightforward arrangements and pristine harmonies only to then suggest something perhaps more nefarious lyrically. The sisters, who are touring with She & Him as both an opening act and part of the backing band, also recently earned notice for their roles in the independent film “The Sirens” (it won best screenplay recently at the Topanga Film Festival). The new album is out Sept. 14.”

“The Chapin Sisters are an L.A. band that you might have caught opening for She & Him (they’re also part of the backing band) this year. They recorded their debut album – Lake Bottom LP - with their sister, Jessica Craven, but the band is now comprised of Abigail and Lily Chapin. As others have said, their sound is reminiscent of both the country and motown – of long-forgotten harmonies in gaslit cabins, and of doe-eyed variety singers. Yet, beyond this is a sophistication of craft, and an intricacy of sound, that is positively captivating.”

“In every aspect, Two (to be released Sept 14th), the sophomore offering from singing, songwriting siblings Lily & Abigail Chapin betters their 2008 debut. While recorded at a family farm in rural New Jersey, Two has the honed, substantive vibe of early 1970s records by Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Kate & Anne McGarrigle – arguably the finest period for such fare. No one style holds sway but it’s all recognizably rock, and with most cuts clocking in around 3 minutes, this whips along at a nice, varied pace. An air of winning confidence pervades Two, which tones down the folksy bits of their debut in favor of nicely outfitted arrangements and a full-yet-uncluttered sound from co-producers Jesse Lee (Gang Gang Dance) and Louie Stephens (Rooney). The Chapin Sisters have refined their talents, amping up all their virtues and making one eager to hear where they go next.”

“As half of the musical duo The Chapin Sisters, Echo-park resident MY L.A. A To Z: Abigail Chapin is constantly on the road—whether it be touring with Zooey Deschanel’s band She & Him or headlining a handful of dates with her sister, Lily. Between shows and gearing up for the September release of the band’s latest album, Two, Abigail can be found shopping on Melrose, listening to music at The Echo, and enjoying the outdoors”

“To call this disc delightful might give the wrong impression that this is a pristine, by the numbers disc by a sister duo. That would be only partly correct. The fact is that this is close harmony folk with a slightly jagged edge that is at times ethereal without being Gothic or mannered, and at other times pure mountain balladry. Recorded pretty much live in the studio with a small band they have fashioned a rustic album that will just get better with each listen. ”

“Being related to Harry Chapin, Tom Chapin and Wes Craven might get you in the door, but it takes much more than that to succeed in the music world. This week, the Chapin Sisters will show with their music how they’ve crossed that threshold by performing two Salt Lake City shows. The folk duo will open for rootsy bluesman Jackie Greene Wednesday at The State Room and will be part of the backing band for She & Him during the last show of the Twilight Concert Series season at Pioneer Park. “Two” isn’t just the name of their second album but a statement of the group’s new identity. “We’re used to a three-part harmony, more of a lead singer with backups,” Abigail said. “Now it’s a duet.” “Three voices can be choral,” Lily added. “[Dueting] presents difficult challenges and wonderful opportunities.””

“It wasn't that long ago that we first learned about The Chapin Sisters. Their EP Oh, Hear The Wind Blow hinted at the mesmerizing spells they could weave with their voices, but those hints weren't fair warning for Two. Two is brilliant, plain and simple. If there's one complaint about the album it's the utter weight of melancholy that the songs rest under. The feel is appropriate given the subject matter, but it may weigh heavily on some listeners. Two is a can't miss album. Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5) ”

“...drear, haunting, evocative, and gorgeous. Right from the a cappella intro, one doesn't mistake the funereal pallor of the Usherine refrains for any lack of thoughtfulness, as these ladies are quite unhedging in exploring the dimly lit recesses of human emotion within a sonic environment. Most others merely touch on the sentiments and then move on but not the Chapins. Like a pair of Hamlet's Ophelias, they swim in them, then descend to the bottom of the idyllic river, completely submerged. The arrangements are particularly sparkling, if we can call something so Gothic 'sparkling', woven with a spare knowing hand. Two, however, is a CD for a darkened chapel, the lull before a storm, perhaps soundtracking for angst and dolor following a romantic severance. Almost like the blues, it uplifts as it depresses. Palm Tree, half way through the disc, seems to be the meeting of Randy Newman and Emmylou Harris sharing too many gin shooters after a bad day in the North 40.”

“The Chapin Sisters...have proven that pedigree can truly carry on. Their latest full length, Two, is a breath of fresh air — a throwback to beautiful harmonies, well-written lyrics and earnest musicianship in a world of countless bands. With Two, part of the beauty is the inherent lack of polish. While everyone on board has a solid voice and blends beautifully, there’s nothing “studio” about it. It’s earnest, at times earthy and moved, and sometimes perfectly simple. Additionally, the instrumentals, whether piano driven or acoustic, are well chosen. Can a band so steeped in roots and a more traditional sound succeed in this day and age? One can hope that Two will open lots of eyes to an album chock full of heart breaking lyrics, unified vision and the beauty of simplicity.”

"Sister harmonies from the dark side" The Chapin Sisters - have toured this year with She & Him (the duo of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel)... Their sister harmonies are classic: they offer the sort of tight, celestial blend that only sisters can achieve. But their songs put a whole new twist on the sibling-harmony tradition: the Chapin's lush arrangements and melodies are wedded to dark lyrical content. "My baby hates me and it's nobody's fault but mine," begins the Chapin Sisters album "Lake Bottom." "He says he'd leave me but he sure is taking his time." Says Paper Magazine: "There's a sinister tenderness to this L.A. trio's sad, soft, gorgeous folk. . . . This is after-dark music that's meant to creep you out. And it does."

“Next month the Chapin Sisters will release their lovely, soothing second album, “Two” (Lake Bottom/Thirty Tigers). The Chapin Sisters’ music is part of a broader indie yearning for primmer times, as seen in artists like Lavender Diamond, with whom the Chapin Sisters have collaborated, to the L.A. Ladies Choir. They’ve also performed with She & Him, the wispy side project of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. In the Chapins’ world, everything can be rendered as dry, spooky, vintage country-folk, which is why their back to back covers of Britney Spears’s “Toxic” and Doc Watson’s “Your Long Journey” sounded of a piece. But their ethereal harmonies mask real muscle in their lyrics, which are often comically dark, to the point that their vocal style can seem purposefully parodic. The effect is tantalizingly close to beauty, with all the schematics and textures outlined precisely but not colored in.”

“The sisters' voices are haunting (at times even eerie), especially if you are able to hear them live. Although their latest EP Oh Hear The Wind Blow is enjoyable, there is nothing comparable to seeing them in person. The performance was consistently transportational. The Living Room's air conditioning was broken and the room sweltering. Despite this, I actually got chills.”

“Pretty much constant gigging with She & Him and then opening for them in their own right, playing their own headlining dates etc. has honed their vocal abilities to awesome levels of expertise. The Chapins ended the set with "Digging A Hole," a stand out track from "Two" that is typical of their ouevre -- minor key melody, mid-tempo beat -- lyrics that evince romantic fatalism, but from the viewpoint of women who don't fear being alone rather than putting up with an unsatisfactory relationship. Some of their songs are forthright kiss offs, bidding their guy to leave and find someone who'll love 'em. Others document indulgence in a temporary fling owing to a little too much booze, or a brief respite from isolation or even just caprice. You sense these ladies are fans of love and romance but not at the expense of other matters as or more important to them.”

“HEADLINE: Chapin Sisters keep family legacy alive on new EP. The Musical apple doesn't fall far from the tree. As the daughters of noted folk singer Tom Chapin and the neices of the late, great Harry Chapin, Abigail and Lily (a.k.a. the Chapin Sisters) have quite the pedigree. Their folksy harmonies do the family proud on their latest EP, the five-track gem "Oh. Hear The Wind Blow." First-rate songwriting and powerful vocals make keepers of "Left All Alone"."Let Me Go" and the disc highlight "Palm Tree". ...the Chapinm Sisters should appeal to anyone who enjoys contemporary folk done right. The Chapin legacy lives on.”

“...(their) own songs are perfectly delicate and charming, packed with frank lyrics, carefully plucked guitars and stunning three-part harmonies.”

“The opening group, The Chapin Sisters, were really good--Good harmonies, lots of guitar and banjo. Zooey came out and sang a song with them. The Chapin Sisters also sang back up for She & Him.”

“...powerful harmonies that just make you say wow! If these girls were forced to have their voices taken away from them, something tells me they’d still be involved in the music due to their innate abilities of song writing and creating vivid images on their records.”

“The Chapin Sisters may be young women, but they have a long history in music; their uncle is the late Harry Chapin and their father is folksinger Tom Chapin, who encouraged them to sing on his children's albums when they were knee high. 2010 has been an exciting year for the L.A.-based band, who have been opening for She & Him on tour and just released their new EP Oh Hear the Wind Blow. From it, we offer Today's Top Tune "Digging A Hole."”

“Originally a trio with sister Jessica Craven, who's taking a leave of absence to spend time with her new baby, the Chapin Sisters are known for blending folk, pop and blues into deep, beautiful harmonies, oftentimes with haunting lyrics. "There's a sinister tenderness to this L.A. trio's sad, soft, gorgeous folk," Paper Magazine noted succinctly. "This is after-dark music that's meant to creep you out. And it does." It's a mix (dubbed "folk noir" and "neo-prarie") that's been gaining attention, as they're now on a worldwide tour opening up shows and providing backing vocals for "She & Him," the band featuring actress-singer Zooey Deschanel and guitarist M. Ward. The Chapin Sisters' first full-length album, "Lake Bottom," came out in 2008. This year, they've released a five-song EP called "Oh Hear the Wind Blow." A new album, "Two," is set for release September 14.”

“The Chapin Sisters hit a quiet homerun with Oh, Hear The Wind Blow. Quiet because this EP is too good to ignore but too far off the beaten path to gain The Chapin Sisters the sort of attention they deserve for it. The vocals alone are worth a listen, but the songwriting here is top-notch as well. Make sure you spend some time getting to know the Chapin sisters.”

“The Chapin Sisters, brothers and sisters, are nothing short of magnificent. They walked onstage, resplendently reminiscent of the 70s with their long, pastel dresses and long, sun-kissed blonde locks. From the moment they opened their mouths, they did nothing short of blow me away. Their voices, o their voices. Breathy but so full, big and bold but delicate at the same time. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the sisters Chapin, is that regardless of the stage configuration, i.e. with acoustics and a tambourine or two, with backing from the gents of She & Him, or just plain singing, they will absolutely leave you breathless. Among their beautiful original material was a song dedicated to the “original bad girl, Britney Spears,” a cover of said Brit’s “Toxic”. Suffice it to say, the Chapin version is infinitely better than the manufactured original. These ladies can outsing just about any gal out there. Those glorious, haunting harmonies are nothing short of intoxicating.”

“The Chapin Sisters hit the stage in retro bohemian dresses and sang a harmony-heavy a capella number...on the next song they busted out two acoustic guitars and the show was truly on. That second song ("Don't Love Me") was probably their prettiest... The harmonies were spot on, the lyrics were interesting, and the guitar skills weren't too shabby. The sisters are part of the backing band for She & Him on this tour so the other backing band folks joined them for the later half of the set. Zooey even joined the party to sing back up harmonies on one song. The songs with just the sisters were pretty, but they sounded a lot better with a full band. They also get bonus points for two awesome covers: Britney Spear's "Toxic" and a Doc Watson tune. But I haven't even mentioned the best part yet. Their in-between song banter was just like the Delicious Dish skit from SNL. Just like it. If they would have said "good times" I would have lost it.”

“I recently had the pleasure of attending the She & Him show at the House of Blues in Boston. The opening act, The Chapin Sisters, caught my attention. I love folk music in all its various incarnations, and Lily and Abigail Chapin reminded me of two fairies who had crawled out of some celestial grove to share their songs with the venue. Their harmonies were nearly flawless, and their voices carried around the whole auditorium, loud and clear. I gave their EP, Oh, Hear the Wind Blow a listen today and am very glad I did. Consisting of five tracks, this EP is gentle and vintage-sounding without being too cliche. If Laura Marling and Joanna Newsom somehow made a cake together, and Carole King added in a secret ingredient, it might be close to what the Chapin sisters are serving up. Pleasant, pretty folk music for a cool summer evening.”

“The Chapin Sisters played their own half hour set, and then joined She & Him on back up vocals and various percussive and melodic instruments. I haven't enjoyed an unknown (to me) opening band this much since I saw Feist way way back in the day open for Broken Social Scene.”

“These girls hit all the right notes for style and substance. They look like they stepped out of Sofia Coppola’s film The Virgin Suicides with their flowing blonde hair and 1970s romanticism meets high-brow hippie style plus, their family is a folk-music legacy. Oh Hear The Wind Blow, their latest effort, is a beautiful EP. The finely tuned harmonies and sweet and sorrowful vocals set them apart from the pack. For those who like singers like Neko Case and Jenny Lewis, I think you’ll love this album as much as I do.”

“The Chapin Sisters opened and started out pretty strong, a capella. those girls have some voices! seriously, think of the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack and then channel it through School of Seven Bells. yeah, they definitely deserve your time. ...(a) powerful, intimate and strongly folk-ridden performance. The one sister (both so beautiful btw! so beautiful!) then gave an OBERLIN shoutout, (they) actually have a show at the college come November. cool beans! I would not miss it. The girls played a good set and even brought out the woman of the night, ZOOOOOOEY, to do some backing vocals. - live review of Cleveland show on 6/10 ”

"I couldn't tell you how excited I was to finally see the Chapin Sisters live last Saturday at the sold-out show for She & Him at First Avenue in Minneapolis. You see, two years ago, I was quickly charmed by the depressing harmonizing vocals of three sisters with their album, Lake Bottom LP. Two years later, and finally I got to see them and it's everything I had expected: beautiful, wonderful harmonizing songs. Since they are minus one sister (Jessica Craven), they mostly did recent songs, like from recently released EP, Oh, Hear The Wind Blow. Songs like "Palm Tree" and "Digging A Hole", are a treat to hear live. For an "old" song, requiring a third voice, they did get a help from Zooey Deschanel (the She in She & Him). - live review of Minneapolis show on 6/5

"...when Lily and Abigail Chapin step up to the mics and start with a beautiful a cappella song, any thought I had of timidness is gone. They were confident and flawless, their harmonies so in tune it gave me a chill. Maybe it’s the sister thing, with a lifetime of singing together, but it was like even their vibrato was in sync. Amazing. So when the song ended the already crowded theater burst into applause. The a cappella part was over after the first song and they played and the performance continued with acoustic guitar and banjo for about four more songs then brought in the rest of the She & Him backing band (the standard guitar, bass and drums). The set was great all the way through and they held the audience well. I did prefer them without the full band though with nothing to distract from their harmonies. I thought the Chapin Sisters were charismatic and engaging...” - (from She & Him live review of Oakland, Fox Theater show)

“The show opened with The Chapin Sisters, a perfect warm up for the main event. The Chapin Sisters are actual sisters who play a beautiful style of alt-country. There are normally three of them, but the two sisters present announced that one was out on maternity leave. Their music borders on being straight up country, but they inject a subtle dose of pop sensibility that moved them from an opening spot with Lady Antebellum to entertaining a packed house of hipsters opening for She & Him, and still, they could be at home in either place. The true power of the Chapin Sisters are their stunning harmonies. Their voices combined are all the insturments they need to move the crowd. The sound is romantic and haunting at the same time. The crowd seemed to really get into the music toward the last few songs of the sisters’ set, luckily that wasn’t the end for them as they returned to the stage 20 minutes later as the back up singers for She & Him.”

“Seductive and delicate folk-pop, with an occasional darker edge…”

“More than anything else, The Chapin Sisters are a brilliant new take on the harmony groups of another time – old fashioned folk music injected with new life and an occasionally morbid twist.”

“The evening began with The Chapin Sisters’ harmonic Americana. Perfectly pitched, they held the crowd’s attention with their soulfully arranged harmonies and understated country aesthetic. One sister short, they were later joined on stage by Deschanel, who deftly complimented their already atmospheric performance. They would return the favour by providing backing vocals for She & Him when they took to the stage to perform their own meticulously crafted songs. - from She & Him live review of London Koko show May 7th”

“The Chapin Sisters were supporting, although I arrived half way through their set, I managed to catch Zooey singing one of their songs with them, I think it was Let Me Go. Their voices blended really well together, and it was nice to see them back on stage as backing vocalists with mean percussion skills in She & Him’s set." - from She & Him live review of London Shephard Bush show May 10th”

“Earlier, support act the Chapin Sisters, the nieces of folk singer Harry Chapin (of Cat’s In The Cradle fame), impressed with their close vocal harmonies and the quality of their melodic country-folk performance. Reduced from their initial quota of three voices to a mere two by the pregnancy of one sister, the remaining Chapins gave a strong showing, appearing in long white dresses reminiscent of a Greek chorus. They also provided skilful backing vocals and supporting instrumentation for She & Him’s set, bringing out the rich harmonies that are layered through so many of their recordings." - from She & Him live review of London Koko show May 7th”

“Hearts were all a-flutter as Zooey Deschanel skipped onto the stage as honorary third sister to opening act The Chapin Sisters, adding yet another layer to their folksy harmonies. As Lily and Abigail Chapin built up their haunting songs by adding stamps, claps and eventually a full band, it was their voices which constantly mesmerised. Lily’s pretty mid-level tone provided a constant, while Abigail’s voice switched effortlessly between a low, rhythmic layer and high harmonies." - from She & Him live review London Koko show May 7th”

“Apparently there is a third Chapin sister who usually sings with them but back at home in the States with a new baby, they tell us on this tour they've found a new sister and out runs Zooey Deschanel, or Zooey Chapin as they call her. It nicely breaks the high anticipation for her arrival on stage, (judging from the amount of prom dresses and hair bows, she's pretty much idolised by some fans) and it's a nice first appearance on a London stage, rather than making the big grand entrance as the all-important, movie star turned singer. She sounds great with the sisters on a rollicking final number and the whole thing is a likeable, enjoyable affair." - from She & Him live review of London Koko show May 7th”

“Before humans had the ability to record sound, storytelling and music was the language that spoke across generations, uniting the young with the old, the dead with the unborn. Fortunately, recorded sound has not completely wiped this timeless institution from our collective conscience: it still thrives in familial pockets, like it does in the Chapin Family.”

““Opening for She & Him were The Chapin Sisters, Abigail and Lily. Ethereally costumed in flowing white, the Brooklyn born sisters, who now reside in L.A., exuded legit Monterey hippie chic. I felt like I could have been at any assortment of gatherings in the mid to late 60s, waiting for Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to jump on stage. That being said, The Chapin Sisters are neither campy nor outdated. Their lyrics are intelligent and I was into their acoustic vibe, not to mention long blonde hair. Their gorgeous harmonies took over the ballroom, making me wonder if they actually needed the backing band briefly joined them onstage. Granted the band does flesh out some of their more folky tunes, and made for some more up tempo moments, but the Sisters truly shine on their own. Premiering a lot of new material, at one point Lily traded in her guitar for a banjo because, as Abigail commented, “Who doesn’t love a banjo?” Word, sister.” – She & Him live review”

“The Chapin Sisters, accompanied at times by the Brothers Brothers, were great. I actually felt like an adult at this show, like I was doing something civilized and sophisticated. I don’t often like that feeling, but tonight it worked. However, because The Chapin Sisters made me feel something I’m not used to feeling, I’m finding it difficult to articulate. Go see them for yourself. Close your eyes and let the harmonies drown out the voices in your head. The Chapin Sisters are a perfect complement to She & Him. Their music and performance evoke a different time and a foreign land. Vinyl seems the appropriate format for listening to this music.”

"The Chapin Sisters were bred on vinyl, listening to Neil Young and the Beach Boys as toddlers. As children, they sang backup on Tom Chapin records. One, Abigail, admits to stints as a grunge girl, hip-hopper and punk rocker. "It was a rebellion against my family," she admits. The group, however, is definitely a family affair. Their father, Tom offers them sage advice on making it in the record business. "He has taught us how not to sell your soul to be a rock star," Lily says."