Unpredictable band surprises fans with ‘Under the Backlight’

Rilo Kiley’s newest album represents musical styles of various decades

By Katie Zanin, contributing writer
Posted on September 6, 2007

Rilo Kiley, who are known to be musically unpredictable, even out-do themselves this time around with their latest album, Under the Blacklight. After a two-year hiatus and lead singer Jenny Lewis’ first solo album, Rilo Kiley is back with their fourth full-length album. The time off must have done the band good because Under the Blacklight proves to be their best album yet. This groundbreaking record brings to mind music from previous decades. Instead of sticking to their well-known indie-rock sound, Rilo Kiley tests the waters of many different styles of music from funk to classic rock.

The first single off the album, “The Moneymaker,” is led by a heavy bass line and the repetitive wail of an electric guitar riff while Lewis’ passionate voice rises throughout the song into a frenzy of uninhibited excitement. The final composition is a fantastic tribute to the ’80s, with its refreshingly simple melody and tight, skillfully polished sound.

Just as “The Moneymaker” was based on the ’80s, the remaining songs on the album focus on the well-known attributes of other decades. Songs such as “15” and “Smoke Detector” bring listeners back as far as the ’60s with classic rock ‘n’ roll in the style of Janis Joplin and The Allman Brothers. These songs perfectly incorporates distorted rhythm and blues guitar riffs with harmonious choruses as well as other various melodic traits of the ’60s.

The ’70s are covered with a funk number, “Dejalo,” as well as the rockin’ “The Angels Hung Around.” “Dejalo’s” funky rhythm on the high-hat and a constant “wah-wah” sound from the guitar bring to mind Isaac Hayes’ timeless theme from “Shaft.”

Not every track is a throwback to a past decade. However, even the few songs on Under the Blacklight that resemble their old tunes have a new flair. They integrate their newfound techniques into their old style to create a more melodically mature sound.

No matter what the style, Lewis’ earnest voice comes through strong and clear. Whereas most singers can only stick to one genre, she is able to adapt to any musical style with great ease. Rilo Kiley’s latest and greatest album stands out in today’s music industry by bringing old styles into a new light while keeping their own unique charm.