Rilo Kiley’s new album, “Under the Blacklight” is appropriately titled for if it was under a spotlight, it wouldn’t have been made in the first place.
Surprising as it is to some, Rilo Kiley is not a solo singer frequently featured on the cover of previous albums, it’s a whole band. Somehow I wish it were only the lead singer, Jenny, who made up Rilo Kiley. Her vocals, famous for the “Portion for Foxes” single, withdraws into the band with songs mimicking the 80’s era that hides the amazing sound of the her raw voice.
Rilo Kiley fans will disappointed with their album because instead of more gritty songs that we have come to expect from the band with edgy lyrics, we get a watered down version.
The best songs remind me of a bland version of Sarah MacLauchlan and other tracks belonging in an 80’s disco club with her whispery lyrics that attribute themselves to Blondie in “Heart of Glass.” The album is neither Rilo Kiley’s greatest work, nor her most creative. The record label must have gotten to her, damn.
One star
