Review

Artist: Rilo Kiley
Album: rkives

It’s hard to believe that Rilo Kiley has more or less dissolved their merry band of indie-rock. And, if we’re counting, it’s been six years since we’ve seen a new album. Like any group, there is always the chance that they could re-emerge later on and pop out a transcendent album that blows minds and entices a new generation. It wouldn’t be the first time that it has happened, but the odds are iffy if you ask us.

As a last hurrah, Rilo Kiley released “rkives” for their legion of devoted fans. The cohesive album features a mix of B-sides and rarities that prominently showcase Jenny Lewis’ hauntingly seductive voice and hallmark forlorn lyrics. It also serves as a reminder of how influential they have been for those coming of age in the current music scene (“Best Coast” anyone?).

Altogether, “rkives” comes across like a ghost of previous albums. Where “Take Offs and Landings” and “The Execution of All Things” packed a punch, “rkives” holds its own in maintaining the band’s true form but lacks some of their energetic edge. “Let Me Back In” is sweet farewell opus. “I’ll Get You There” stomps and softly rages alongside throaty vocals, while “Dejalo” features Too $hort and is oddly placed among Rilo Kiley’s more restrained tracks.

As hard as it is to say goodbye to a favorite band, “rkives” at least provides some closure to a solid run. Instead of feeling like there was so much more to give, we have a neatly wrapped package of tracks to take comfort in if, in fact, they are calling it quits for good.



About the Author

Aimee Mandle
Aimee Mandle
Aimee is another awesome member of the iSPY team.