Something Like Sound

In The Spotlight: Rilo Kiley’s Under The Blacklight
In 2006, Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis debuted her solo album Rabbit Fur Coat. The album received more attention and press than any of Rilo Kiley’s older works.

This placed the band in an odd situation, either breakup or change their style to appeal to Lewis’s newfound fame. Fortunately for fans, Rilo Kiley did not break up, but instead produced Under The Blacklight, released earlier this year.
The record departs from Lewis’s soul and country sound, focusing more on dance beats and instrumentation.
Catchy guitar riffs and Lewis’s distinct female vocals drive tracks such as “Silver Lining” and “The Moneymaker,” the first single from the disc. Electronic-pop elements find their way into the mix on the track “Under The Blacklight.”

The title track is really a treat, every part fits together to form solid harmonies, showcasing the real talent Rilo Kiley possesses as a band. Lewis’s work with The Postal Service may offer some explanation for the electronic-dance sound, but Rilo Kiley continues to expand their sound into new areas on the rest of the album.

“Dejalo” features lyrics both in Spanish and English, giving the track a Latin twist. Speaking of lyrics, Under The Blacklight tells some great stories about life and loving, while subtly sending messages about appearances.

In recent years, the popularity of dance music has caused some bands to cheapen their sound to appeal to the status quo.
This is not true of Rilo Kiley, their re-worked dynamics are enjoyable and fresh. They’ve gambled with their style and come out on top.