Fans of indie rock can rejoice as Tilly and the Wall is back with “Heavy Mood,” out Oct. 2 on Team Love Records. The band returns after a four-year break since it released its third album, “o.” Those unfamiliar with Tilly and the Wall will be pleasantly surprised with their energetic pop sound, smooth lyrics, dance-ability and, most notably, having a tap dancer doing percussions in place of a drummer.
Tilly and the Wall formed in 2001 in Omaha, Neb. from the disbanding of several area bands involved with the Saddle Creek record label. The band has released four studio albums to date, with their last one, “o,” being its biggest success, even featured on commercials, television shows, movies and video games. “Heavy Mood” is not far off from what fans are used to from them, but the band is starting to feel a little bit more mature and professional in its sound. The album opens up strong with “Love Riot,” a charming song that sets the mood for the album and lets the audience know, “We won’t be quiet/ We’re gonna get loud.”
The album stays strong through 10 tracks to end with “Defenders,” a rousing ballad that announces, “We are not afraid to live/No, were not afraid to die/Because we are free.” The video for “Defenders” has been released on YouTube by the band and features what seems to be a post-apocalyptic interpretive dance based on civilization, with all the colors and costumes that live up to the band’s sound. Tracks like “Static Expression” and “Thicker than Thieves” are the catchy little things that will get stuck in anyone’s head for hours after they have finished listening, bringing back memories of listening to “Pot Kettle Black” off “o” on repeat.
“Thicker than Thieves” is a standout track, opening with some unique vocal sounds and a steady tap beat. The lyrics begin with “You and me got something they can’t touch/you and me connect the dot/you’re the one I call when things get tough.” The song continues to tell of a perfect friendship and is the random, pop-driven style that defines Tilly and the Wall. One criticism that can be made of “Heavy Mood,” versus their previous albums, is a reduction in that which helped build the band’s fame: tap dancing. Jamie Pressnall does the tap for Tilly and the Wall, and her role feels greatly reduced compared to their earlier work. These new songs contain more drum machine and clapping to keep the rhythm, and this is a disappointing change.
“Heavy Mood” is a welcome addition to Tilly and the Wall’s library. It is an amazing little indie pop album that is a great pick up for anyone who wants to listen to energetic songs that will get them dancing as they listen to chorus lines that won’t ever leave their head. It’s also great for anyone wondering if their favorite bands would sound better with the introduction of random tap dancing.
http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/tap-to-new-tilly-album/article_1c196314-12fd-11e2-8d28-001a4bcf6878.html
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