Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight

Warner Bros

Rilo Kiley have always been sold short as the supporting actors of the music world, ranking up there with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti as far as shining yet underappreciated talent goes. Previous albums, such as 2004’s ‘More Adventurous’, were critically lauded but didn’t exactly shift enough to allow record company bigwigs to cavort naked around bonfires of burning money. Lesser, more vacuous performers hog the limelight, and steal the glory. But that could all change with ‘Under The Blacklight’. Having wrapped up touring duties on her shimmering solo debut ‘Rabbit Fur Coat’, cool-as-get-out chanteuse Jenny Lewis is back to her regular job, but that’s not to say that she’s plumping for second best. If anything, the updated Rilo Kiley is fitter, happier and more productive. Distancing themselves from the college rock tag, the band have raided their parents’ vinyl collections and refined their sound significantly. Whether it’s flirting with Fleetwood Mac on ‘Dreamworld’ or Stax soul on jailbait morality tale ‘15’, from start to finish this album goes in and out in all the right places. It’s sexy, sultry and as slinky as a boxful of toy springs. You’ll be gyrating and clapping along like a performing monkey throughout, particularly on comely opener ‘Silver Lining’ – a more elegant pop song you will not hear. With any justice, Rilo Kiley’s moment in the sun is due anytime now.

Words_Ross Thompson

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DOWNLOAD: ‘Silver Lining’, ‘Breakin’ Up’
FOR FANS OF: Death Cab For Cutie, Fleetwood Mac

Issue #52 - Very Bro-some

Featuring Panama Kings, ASIWYFA, an investigation into DIY touring, details of what over 25 of the finest NI bands are up to in 2009 and much more.