The Best Band You’ve Never Heard Of: Rilo Kiley
Photo by Erik Fleming
Who The Heck is Rilo Kiley?
Rilo Kiley was an American indie rock band formed in 1998 in Los Angeles, California. The band’s original lineup consisted of Jenny Lewis (vocals, guitar), Blake Sennett (guitar, vocals), Pierre de Reeder (bass, keyboards), and Dave Rock (drums), who later was replaced by Jason Boesel (drums). The band signed with independent label Barsuk Records for its first full-length album, Take-Offs and Landings, in 2001. The band later signed with Omaha's Saddle Creek Records and released The Execution of All Things in 2002. In 2004, it released More Adventurous on its own imprint, Brute/Beaute Records, which was distributed by major label Warner Bros. Records. The band later signed directly with Warner Bros. in earnest.
In 2007, Rilo Kiley released their fourth album, Under the Blacklight, which marked a departure from their earlier indie rock sound, incorporating more pop and R&B influences. The first single, “The Moneymaker”, exhibits this in force with driving guitar licks and thumpy bass, leading into a belting lead hook from Lewis. The follow-up single showed this shift but was also more of a return to form in structure and subject “Silver Lining” really shows off Sennett’s guitar ability and the group’s power as a unit. The album was released on Warner Bros. Records and was the band’s most commercially successful release despite leaks and an impending breakup of the band, debuting at number 37 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In 2011, Rilo Kiley announced that they were going on an indefinite hiatus, and members of the band went on to pursue solo projects. Jenny Lewis released several solo albums, including one of her most beloved with The Watson Twins, Rabbit Fur Coat. Blake Sennett formed the band The Elected to be picked up by SubPop, and Pierre de Reeder focused more on other projects, namely his extremely well-curated record label: Little Record Company. In 2013, de Reeder released a collection of B-sides and rarities titled Rkives, which called back to many unreleased cutting-room-floor tracks and reignited the indie music world’s love for the band, prompting Rilo Kiley to be in the conversation of many review sites, fans, and new fans one more time.
Rilo Kiley officially broke up in 2011, but their music continues to be celebrated by critics and fans alike. From the vocal virtuosity of Jenny Lewis to the trembling tenor of Sennett’s vocals and guitar, they remain a huge influence and less-talked-about driving force in the early 00s indie scene.
Why Should I Care?
Rilo Kiley’s most critically acclaimed records are generally considered to be their early albums, The Execution of All Things (2002) and More Adventurous (2004). Both albums received widespread critical acclaim upon their release and helped establish the band as one of the leading acts in the indie rock scene. However, each one is such a specific look into the expert songwriting, storytelling, and motivation of what began as a bunch of teenagers making the best music they could while navigating life. In retrospect, the discography feels like a story told over the course of a lifetime, of a life well lived. The emotions they evoke in listeners range from songs to dance to, songs to cry to, and songs to be in love or break up to...
The Execution of All Things is widely regarded as Rilo Kiley’s breakthrough album, with critics praising the band’s songwriting, Jenny Lewis’s vocals, and the album’s overall emotional intensity. “A Better Son/Daughter” stands out as one of the album’s breakthrough songs, which feels like one of those songs that lyrically comes in a fit of inspiration, truly digging deep into the human condition and resonating instantly. The album was included in several year-end and decade-end lists of best albums, and it is considered one of the best albums of the 2000s by many.
More Adventurous is also considered one of the band’s best late works, with critics praising the album for its catchy pop hooks and its lyrical depth. With many songs dealing with themes of love, relationships, and heartbreak, it is a return to form but also better polished than some of the previous albums, which some people upon release may have been turned off by, but with time, it has aged quite well. The most popular single, “Portions for Foxes,” still gets radio play and was featured on many channels at the time. It remains an indie-pop anthem still in the zeitgeist. The album received positive reviews and was praised for its maturity and cohesiveness as an album by many reviewers.
Jenny Lewis’s songwriting has always hit a special place in fans’ hearts, and coupled with her amazing range as well as the strengths of the entire band, as a group, they always came off as clever, witty, and introspective. When firing on all cylinders, the band’s (and Lewis’) musicianship and their ability to blend different genre influences into their sound truly shines in the best way.
All Good Things Come to an End…
The official reason for Rilo Kiley’s breakup was not publicly disclosed. However, according to various interviews with the band members, the band was feeling creatively drained and decided to take a break in 2010. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Jenny Lewis said that the band had been working together for over a decade and they just needed some time apart. Also, In an interview with Pitchfork, Blake Sennett said that the band had become more like a job than a passion and that he felt he needed to take a break. Since then, Sennett and Blake have reunited to play together on occasion, and all members have gone on to do amazing things. Jenny Lewis recently wrapped a couple of the biggest solo tours of her career, reigniting a whole new group of younger fans (opening for Harry Styles has its advantages). So, for what Rilo Kiley has given us and to see all the members thriving in their own ways, I am grateful. Check this band out, and let us know your favorite songs or thoughts in the comments. Till next time!
Digging Deeper:
Rilo Kiley’s discography includes the following full-length albums:
Take Offs and Landings (2001)
The Execution of All Things (2002)
More Adventurous (2004)
Under the Blacklight (2007)
Rkives (2013)
Additionally, the band released several EPs and singles throughout their career. They also contributed a few songs for soundtracks and compilations.
