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Rilo Kiley More Adventurous
Brute/Beaute
Rilo Kiley. What do I think about the latest release from this L.A. based songwriting team of Jennifer Lewis and Blake Sennet? In one word – yawn. Basically More Adventurous is really not that adventurous or even exciting for that matter. Yes, it has a few moments where a track will somewhat captivate or not totally bore me, but overall the album is lacking so many crucial elements I need to be consumed from it. Another complete setback to the album is that every lyric seems to be so blatantly obvious of the message it’s trying to convey. There is no element of imagination or deciphering the lyrics into what is meaningful to the listener, which is what makes music so important and enjoyable.
Track listing:
01 It's a Hit
02 Does He Love You?
03 Portions for Foxes
04 Ripchord
05 I Never
06 Absence of God
07 Accidental Death
08 More Adventurous
09 Love and War (11/11/46)
10 Man/Me/Then Jim
11 It Just Is
So this is Rilo Kiley's third album and their first major-label debut. Once patrons of Saddle Creek records, the band at one time was more than likely classified as indie. The latest release seems to be a sloppy mix of many genres, but primarily what I would consider to be pop. It may have a sound that could have mass appeal, but I'm not sure. I hate to sound like an elitist, because I am surely not one, but when I think of pop bands with mass appeal I somewhat shudder at the artists that come to mind. The album just doesn't hold the proper mix of unique elements to grab me or keep me intrigued.
The album begins with "It's a hit" which actually is a fitting title because it's one of the most decent tracks on the album. The message conveyed here is one of the mass disapproval of the current president of the U.S. Lyrics emphasize the political message to be conveyed "deploring more troops than a salt shaker, but it's a jungle where your war is made, and you'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy, the camera pulls back and reveals your true identity, but it's a sheep in wolves in clothing, a smoking gun holding ape"
The next respectable track on the album is "Portions for Foxes." Even before I received the album I actually heard this one on the radio. It has heartfelt lyrics that sadly I have been able to relate to on more than one occasion and actually I can relate to at the present time: "There's blood in my mouth, because I've been biting my tongue all week, I keep on talking trash, but I never say anything." The track proceeds to eloquently synopsis the painful and familiar message "I know I'm alone if I'm with or without you, but just being around you offers me another form of relief."
Track number 4 "Ripchord" reminds me of something that could have been on the O Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack. It's reminiscent of that olden day bluegrass or maybe even an alt-country sound that is rather pleasant and appealing. The simple whistling and basic acoustic strumming give an effortless appeal to the track. "I never" makes me envision I'm at a do whoop in the 50's. The lyrics are romantic and pure which is refreshing. The more I listen to the album I begin to feel that maybe the disarray of styles and genres is benefiting. Then I listen again and predominately become annoyed.
In the end, "More Adventurous" gives me the impression that Rilo Kiley is desperately trying to make a mark or place for itself. They seem like they have the middle child syndrome going on. Not really sure their purpose or place, but damn sure they will be seen and heard. Then I listen another time and I get the idea they really don't give a damn. Maybe they don't care to be classified or maybe they don't care if every message is clear and conveyed in absolute perceptibility. For some, what's lacking in dimension and flow may be made up in lyrics and the array of styles. For me, it's not enough, but then again I'm utterly difficult to please.
