She & Him announce release of new album, Classics

She & Him have announced the release and details of their upcoming new album,  Classics.

Describing the record as “carefully-selected, timeless standards”, it is expected to be released this autumn. Classics is set to be the duo's major label debut with Columbia Records, after their time with Merge Records came to an end.

Zooey Deschanel and M Ward said that they decided to record to album live, "allowing a spontaneity that captured the spirit of the songs in their truest forms."

The distinct sound of Classics is no doubt helped by the use of a 20 piece orchestra; Deschanel stated: "We are incredibly excited to release a record of our favourite songs." She added: "It was a dream of ours to record these songs in a way that highlighted the brilliance of songwriting and the beauty of their melodies. We had a wonderful time making the record and we hope people have a wonderful time listening to it."

She & Him's latest album follows on from their 2011 holiday themed album, A Very She & Him Christmas and last year's Volume 3.