Rilo Kiley Under the Blacklight (Warner)

Whereas their last few releases were more Omaha or Seattle and Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis’ solo record last year, Rabbit Fur Coat, was pretty Nashville, this latest effort is totally L.A. With its ensnaring pop choruses, undeniable disco feel and lyrical nods to the porn industry, it is perfectly suited for the extravagant metropolis where people go to give up everything to become a star. With Under The Blacklight, they are definitely on their way ... again.

Two of the band members, Lewis and guitarist/vocalist Blake Sennett, are already grappling with whatever psychoses that remain after careers as child actors, and because they’re both vocalists and songwriters and happen to have been in a relationship together, a fair amount of tension exists within the group. Hopefully this, the start of their major label career and their most poppy release yet, won’t signal the end. According to their cover story in the latest Spin Magazine, Lewis is unsure about how long she will continue with the band. As she steps further into the forefront of the group and sings most of the songs, which was originally going to be Sennett’s spot, he is likely feeling a little under-appreciated. Being dwarfed behind the charismatic lead singer is too often the fate of those introverted creative types on guitar, drums and definitely bass.

But, cheer up Sennett. “Dreamworld,” the one track on Under the Blacklight where you take the vocal reigns, is stellar. The track, much like the rest of the album, is very rhythm-heavy with subtle guitars and obedient vocals falling right in line with the prominent and reliable bass and drums. The influence of producer Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Fiona Apple) is certainly felt. Here, Sennett’s lyrics are sensually whispered stepping to an undeniable beat. There is an awful lot more gloss on this song and throughout the majority of the album that reeks of high production costs that didn’t exist on albums prior, but it’s essential here to look at the album from a different view than the previous.

Better yet, forget about those when you listen to this one. Tossing it aside because it’s more dance floor than indie rock dive would be doing it a great disservice. “Dejalo” is an ideal example of a track that’s about as far away from what you’d expect out of the group as possible. A song written by Lewis and live-in boyfriend singer/songwriter Johnathan Rice, it features a verse or two in Spanish, an upbeat chorus, a '70s-inspired disco appeal and playfully sexual lyrics. “I’ve got a tail if you want to chase it /I’ve got a tongue if you want to taste it,” is just about as blunt as it gets. Then there’s “She is yours for the taking / You know you wanna make her / Show her your money maker,” from “The Moneymaker.” It’s a song that sounds just as sleazy as the porn star subject matter with groping guitars and lyrics that mimic moans. But it, like most of the songs on the album, is quite dance floor-friendly. It’s a great departure from homogeneous indie rock.

Also, they have some for naming the album Under the Blacklight, which immediately conjures up images of smoke filled basements and the glow from blacklight posters of skulls, Led Zeppelin and pot leaves with Bob Marley pumping through the speakers, and someone saying, “That’s a really sick jam.”

There’s a very fine line.

Rilo Kiley Official
Rilo Kiley Myspace
Rilo Kiley "The Moneymaker" (Youtube)