Rilo Kiley
Under The Blacklight

By Nicole Roberge

“Hooray, hooray,” Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley laments on “Silver Lining,” the first track off of her band’s latest album, but the big hooray for fans is this new album. Enthralling as ever, it sounds inventive, unique, wittyand robust. Lewis’ voice is exhilarating, at times sweet and gentle, at others vibrant and soaring. Blake Sennett’s guitar adds personality to each song that might throw you in a different direction than you thought it was going. And with Jason Boesel and Pierre de Reeder on drums and bass, Rilo Kiley keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

The jilting rock sound of “Moneymaker” is intoxicating. “Breaking Up” is illustrious and sharp and ultimately resounds with “it feels good to be free.” From the music to the lyrics, this album is profound. “Dreamworld” is ethereal and “Dejalo” is clever and edgy. “15” is an ode to a love story as only Rilo Kiley could write. “Smoke Detector” has a retro-California vibe to it, and “Angels Hung Around” is like hearing Lewis gorgeously singing a story. Each character in the songs is so engaging that you become engrossed, and Lewis sings so earnestly that you become part of the song with her. “Give A Little Love” is the closing track, and it’s about finding joy after experiencing difficulty, which is exactly what Rilo Kiley provides.