Heave Media

Rilo Kiley's Major Label Debut

Lewis and the gang get away from what garnered them attention

Rilo Kiley

Under the Blacklight

Released on Nov 30, -0001

On their 4th album and major label debut, Rilo Kiley take quite a departure from their previous work. From the cover art, to the cock-rock, Motown, new wave and funk-influenced swagger of the 11 tracks, the theme of the album (as suggested by the title) is an exploration of the darker side of life-particularly in the band's hometown of Los Angeles.

Calling this a concept album might be going a bit too far, as the songs vary stylistically. But despite the wide variety of influences, the album manages to convey its sexually-charged, almost tragic aesthetic in a mostly cohesive manner. Topics range from child predators to prostitution to loveless sex, and there is certainly a forlorn, world-weary sort of sadness that permeates through the set.

Jenny Lewis' vocals and lyrics remain as strong as ever. However, there is a noticeable lack of Blake Sennett's vocals on this record, with the one exception being "Dreamworld" - a definite highlight track on the album.

On one hand, basing an album around this theme makes perfect sense, as the lead songwriters/former child stars Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett certainly have seen their fair share of the city dark side. On the other hand, one wonders why the sudden abrupt shift in direction? Is country music alone not adequate enough to encapsulate the sins and suffering of L.A.?

Regardless of the motivation, Rilo Kiley do their best to expand their style, while maintaining traces of what they have done before. Unfortunately, their range of influences are so obviously worn on their sleeves that one wonders if it's time for them to buy some new clothes. "Dreamworld" sounds an awful lot like Fleetwood Mac, "Breakin' Up" sounds like some lost Cardigans b-side, and the chorus from the single, "Moneymaker" IS "Jukebox Hero"-let's not kid ourselves here.

In theory, there's nothing wrong with an established band experimenting with their sound. Similarly, there's nothing wrong with drawing from different influences, and attempting to synthesize them into an appealing set of songs. However, despite the number of borrowed hooks and styles, the album simply doesn't hold up after a couple listens.

There is no doubt that many long-time Rilo Kiley fans will be let down with the band's new direction. For people like myself who were never too into their older stuff, the album is a catchy pop-rock record with a myriad of influences that unfortunately wears its welcome out far too early.

Overall, Rilo Kiley are putting themselves under the blacklight in revealing a side we'd never suspect, while at the same time covering up what they do best.

Posted by Jason Prechtel on Aug 29, 2007 @ 12:00 am