More Adventurous (CD - 2004)

Much has been made about Rilo Kiley's fusion of country and rock but with MORE ADVENTUROUS, the band's first recording released outside of the Saddle Creek camp, this California quartet creates a sound more along the lines of Belle & Sebastian's brand of twee pop. The bittersweet ting of primary lyricist and singer Jenny Lewis's words is offset by a leavened use of string arrangements. This combination proves irresistible, particularly on the anti-war opener "It's a Hit," with its compelling mix of brassy fanfare, shoo-bop harmonies, and Velvet Underground-like guitar riffs, all of which only a hint at the audio delights lying in wait over the course of this record.

Mellotron and Moog add a melancholy air to the heartbreak-defining "Does He Love You?," and "I Never" hints at Rilo Kiley's country side via Lewis's aching, Loretta Lynn-like phrasing and the atmospheric blending of strings and pedal steel. This adventurous musical outing leaves room for Blake Sennett's lo-fi, solo acoustic tune "Ripchord," the Blondie-esque "Portions for Foxes," and "Love and War (11/11/46)," a New Wave-like rocker inspired by Lewis's visit to her grandfather in a VA hospital. minimize