The So-Cal List -- Reviews

Listings

Interact

Reviews

Tilly & the Wall - Wild Like Children (Team Love, 2004)

Tilly & the Wall defy today's music norms in their album, Wild Like Children. Through all of their songs, it's obvious that Tilly & the Wall are unafraid to simply make the type of music they want to, completely ignoring the consequences. Overall, the effect of this is a positive one; Wild Like Children is one of the more innovative albums to have come out recently.

Starting from the unlikely town of Omaha, Nebraska, Tilly & the Wall have captured the attention of many with their 'two guys and three girls' band, which features a variety of instruments. Remarkably, the five different voices work incredibly well together, making the unique lyrics incredible to listen to. Instead of following the contemporary music convention to have either a male or female lead, this band allows both sexes to have equal share of the spotlight. Thus, guys and girls alike can share an equal love and adoration of this band.

However, even though most of the songs are upbeat and give the impression of happiness, many of the lyrics have a dark tone that contrasts greatly with the pace. For instance, "Bessa" tells the story of a lover walking out on a girl and how she deals with the effects. Also in "Perfect Fit" another upbeat song, the band sings of a person who is unsure about jumping into a relationship. Thus, the lyrics of these songs add an important ironic dynamic. If taking the lyrics out of context they fit the definition of "emo." Nevertheless, Tilly & the Wall can able to appeal to all types of listeners, since their music does not follow the stereotypically emo formula of slow, single whiney voice-led, acoustic guitar rock. Another remarkable thing about Tilly & the Wall is the fact they are in their mid-twenties, yet are able to capture the problems that all teenagers face so well. For instance, in the song, "You and I Misbehaving" they sing, "Just you and I misbehaving. Oh, trying our best to feel alive. We won't ever let them win."

Lyrics aside, the music is incredibly catchy for many reasons; they do not use the traditional drum set and instead stick to clapping and tap dancing and the beat is kept by the harmonies and various "woos" and "ba-bas" that are sung throughout most of the tracks. In fact, when listening to the band one almost feels like you're sitting outside on a porch somewhere, simply jamming with a group of five really talented and cool musicians. Basically, no matter what type of music you're into, everyone should give Tilly & the Wall a decent try and will, most likely, find Wild Like Children a great compilation of music.

Sassy Mohen
Chapman Radio (www.chapmanradio.com)