The hauntingly soulful voice of singer Jenny Lewis has drawn legions of fans to the L.A. band Rilo Kiley. Since releasing its first CD in 2001, the band has gradually abandoned its weepy pop-country sound for '80s-inspired college rock and new wave, but the incandescent passion in Lewis' voice has remained, drawing comparisons to Loretta Lynn and Neko Case. Now on tour in support of Under the Blacklight, Rilo Kiley visits Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club for a full concert, originally webcast live on NPR.org Sept. 26.
Lewis recently returned to Rilo Kiley after taking time off for a brief solo run. Her 2006 album Rabbit Fur Coat (featured in a live concert on NPR.org by Lewis) was a surprise hit. Steeped in blue-eyed soul, gospel and rock, the album featured guest appearances by Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Ben Gibbard, and ultimately charted higher than any previous Rilo Kiley CD.
With Rilo Kiley's Under the Blacklight, Lewis sounds more sultry and seductive than ever before. The album explores seedy tales of drinking, one-night stands, jilted lovers and the sex industry, all illuminated by a nightclub's dingy blacklight. Out on Warner Bros., it's Rilo Kiley's major-label debut.
Rilo Kiley first formed in 1998, releasing its lo-fi debut Take Offs and Landings in 2001 on the Barsuk label. Under the Blacklight is the band's fourth full-length album. Following the early departure of original drummer Dave Brock, the group now features Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett on guitar, bassist Pierre de Reeder and Jason Boesel on drums.
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