She & Him Pump Up The Volume In Boston

Iconic duo She & Him, comprised of the incomparable Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, charmed Boston on the Pump Up The Volumes Tour. After a four-year break, the group made its long-awaited return to wow audiences across the U.S. this fall. On September 24th, they performed at The Wilbur, a venue that felt like a natural fit. Its elegant, stripped-back character and old theatrical details mirror the band's timeless, warm, and distinctly analog sound. Fans of all ages escaped the incoming brisk fall weather and quickly found their seats in the theater.

First up was singer-songwriter Jordana, who kicked off the show with catchy tracks and an intimate set. She commanded the stage with just herself and a pianist, opting to play violin during tracks like "We Get By." Her conversational lyrics and hazy vocals made for a natural double bill with She & Him. They share a vintage character in their music, which was cemented when the duo made a special surprise appearance, joining Jordana on stage for a song. Between tracks, someone screamed "You're a legend," and Jordana laughed before responding, "I can't be a legend yet, I'm only 26!" showcasing her bubbly personality. Some might recognize her from her collaborations with indie band TV Girl. She performed some of those beloved tracks, including "Better In The Dark." Jordana also incorporated clever covers that matched her style, including "Somebody New" by Blossom Dearie. The bouncy keyboard and her dreamy voice lulled the audience into a trance that lasted long after she stepped off stage.

Soon after, the lights dimmed again, and the crowd released thunderous applause. Deschanel and Ward glided on stage, flushed in blue light and accompanied by a two-piece band. The duo sported complementary looks: Ward wore a red work jumpsuit with a "Him" patch sewn on the front, and Deschanel wore a sparkly pink dress with a pink flower tucked behind her ear and a matching "She" patch sewn on the front. The duo opened the show with the tracks  "Thieves" and "I've Got Your Number, Son," transporting the venue back to the swinging 60s. Deschanel tapped a tambourine by her side as she floated around the stage.

"I have a great feeling about tonight, really great vibes," Deschanel shared amid cheers and excited yelps from the crowd. The evening featured a variety of band setups and arrangements, naturally flowing between configurations throughout the night. Boston was in for a "Beantown surprise" as Deschanel welcomed MA native and pianist Keith Hollis onstage. The two shared a hug before he sat down to accompany them on the sweet, upbeat tracks "I Was Made for You" and "Don't Look Back."

The duo held the energy high throughout the night, even when slowing it down for an acoustic section featuring only Ward and Deschanel on stage. Their covers of "Stars Fell On Alabama" by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians and the tour debut of "Would You Like to Take a Walk?" by Harry Warren and Annette Hanshaw pulled the audience in close and fostered a personal connection with every fan. Deschanel's soft and velvety voice brought these tracks to life and filled the venue with nostalgia. The energy peaked toward the end of the set when they performed "I Thought I Saw Your Face Today," which received new life when it was thrust back into the spotlight on social media almost two decades after its release. It became their first Billboard Hot 100 hit, and fans of all ages smiled ear to ear as they sang along. Jordana hit the stage again to perform the final few songs, including "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" with Deschanel grooving on bass, before a punchy two-song encore sent off Boston for the night.

For a generation inundated with technology, backing tracks, and produced performances, it was a welcome treat to experience a stripped-back analog set with a live band. Once you break down the components of live music that make it so special, it is clear that a group of talented individuals sharing their passion is all you need to create an electrifying, unforgettable show. 2026 has been a big year for the duo, who made their first appearance this decade at a music festival a few days later in D.C. Make sure to catch She & Him live before the Pump Up The Volumes Tour ends in October. Buy tickets here.