Rilo Kiley, "The Execution Of All Things"
Hannah Nefler grows up...

By Byron Schaller, Delicious Media contributor

In 1989, Jenny Lewis fell into America’s hearts as the daughter of Phyllis and Freddy Nefler in "Troop Beverly Hills." Nine years later she did it again. Except this time she is fronting her new group, Rilo Kiley.

Rilo Kiley has been categorized many ways (alt-country, indie pop, indie rock), but none of them really sum up what this foursome is really about. The band did not release their first album, 2001’s “Take Offs and Landings,” until three years after they formed. This record was release on Barsuk Records. Jenny would later go onto sing the female parts on label mate Ben Gibbard’s 2003 collaboration with DNTEL, The Postal Service. In 2003 they released their second offering, “The Execution of All Things,” on Saddle Creek Records, located in Omaha, NE. Jenny even gives a small shout-out to the new label in the title track with the line: “Then we'll go to Omaha to work and exploit the booming music scene and humility.”

Anyone who has never heard Rilo Kiley before and expects the same sweet girl they saw in "Troop Beverly Hills" is in for a big surprise. The lyrics are dark and brooding with a lighter poppy back drop. Jenny grew up. In the title track she is not talking about execution as in “doing”, she is talking about mass genocide of everything, and does so in a disarming way. The music is intelligent, thought provoking and above all else, enjoyable to listen to. The melodies are catchy and the rhythms bounce along. So much so you will find yourself humming about death and destruction and everyone else will think “My, what a lovely tune.”

The album is full of great tracks. Starting off with “The Good That Won’t Come Out” and continuing on for the next two tracks with “Paint’s Peeling” and the title track. “Hail to Whatever You Found in the Sunlight” and “Three Hopeful Thoughts are also quite good. You’ll find many unexpected things as you listen as well. From orchestral instruments and pedal steel guitar to a full choir, the music is a constant surprise. Jenny’s bouts of Tourettes Syndrome may come as quite a shock too. She is not afraid to say “fuck this” and “fuck that” as often as she wants. It almost gives the songs a grittier tone, and I mean that in a good way.

“The Execution of All Things” is a great follow up to their debut. They really overcome the sometimes fatal “sophomore slump.” If you have not heard these indie darlings I suggest you change that. I have not seen them yet, but I also hear that they are a powerhouse live. Jenny Lewis and company hit one out of the park.

Byron Schaller is a guest contributor for Delicious Media. He mantains his own blog, In The Congo, enjoys writing, collecting records, and watching Italian horror film. He is a Hoosier, but looks nothing like Gene Hackman.