Very Secretary's contribution to the Post Marked Stamps compilation demonstrated a new and slightly more acoustic sound for the group, which is more fully realized on
Standing in the Shade. This album plants itself firmly in the realm of delicate, occasionally melancholy pop tunes, with deep and longing violin lines threading their way through the group's whispery guitar constructions. It's a release that might not find a lot of love outside of the indie-pop community, but one that fans of
Kissing Book,
Motion Picture, the Lucksmiths, or the more pensive end of Sarah Records pop will doubtlessly enjoy. ~ Nitsuh Abebe