CD Review

The buzz about Rilo Kiley being everybody’s new favorite band is almost so big it’s not even buzz anymore. Forget that singer Jenny Lewis and guitarist Blake Sennett were both child actors. Never mind that their band name alone sounds like indie rock prestige. Just when you thought its all been done before, Rilo Kiley brings it all fresh on their second album More Adventurous.

Where L.A.’s Rilo Kiley’s 2002 breakthrough release – The Execution Of All Things, featured a balanced attack of Lewis and Sennet; More Adventurous showcases a distinctly profound Jenny Lewis. Similar to Neko Case’s role in the New Pornographers that crisscrossed her alt-country background, Lewis provides the eclectic torch for Rilo Kiley, as More Adventurous steers through a diverse and freshly innovative push. Tired of manufactured rock? Well the second tune “Does He Love You?” reads like a letter along with a shiny west coast luster that would corner The Thrills back to Dublin. Straight ahead rockers like “Portions For Foxes” force you to kick your legs up with its jerk aggression and playful melodies.

Political lyrics are bashed about in the opener, “It’s A Hit,” along with agonized strains like “it’s a sin when success complains/and your writers block it don’t mean shit.” Second time through this might be your favorite song on the album, third time it might be your least favorite – More Adventurous is that type of album.

Lewis shows her range throughout - crooning like Dusty Springfield on “I Never,” singing with maternal warmth in “The Absence of God,” and trembling like Debbie Harry on the new-wave “Love And War.” Did I mention this rising star plays keyboards too? Anyhow, the rest of the boys are treated like supporting members, in this burgeoning Lewis affair. Watch out, listening to More Adventurous might just make Rilo Kiley your new favorite band today or tomorrow.