(Warner Brothers; August 2007)
After leading lady Jenny Lewis found solo success with 2006’s Rabbit Fur Coat, many doubted the likelihood of another Rilo Kiley album. And with the release of Under the Blacklight, it’s unclear whether we should be celebrating the reunion of alt-country’s golden children. Gems like the twangy, clap-along “Silver Lining” and the melancholy “Angels Hung Around” are logical progressions of the band’s signature sound, but are hardly indicative of Blacklight. Where “Moneymaker” plays out like a bad Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover, the island-tinged “Dejalo” sounds downright out of place. Nonsensical as it may be, Blacklight succeeds in showcasing Lewis as a sultry songstress with a wider range than past albums have allowed her. Still, the disconnectedness and less-than-poignant lyricism don’t live up to what we’ve come to expect of these indie darlings. -Aly Comingore