Are they an
indie rock
band inspired by
country
, or a
band influenced by
? Whichever the case may be,
The Execution of All Things
finds
Rilo Kiley
establishing a wonderful balance of beautiful
and subtle
. Several guests are on such instruments as French horn, cello, flute, and accordion, while there's also a "boy choir" that includes
Conor Oberst
of
Bright Eyes
. It all adds brilliantly to
's passionate and powerful songwriting.
"With Arms Outstretched"
evokes a
feel in its lyrics, yet has all the sensibility of
indie pop
. "It's 16 miles to the promised land and I promise you I'm doing the best I can,"
Jenny Lewis
sings. "I visit these mountains with frequency and I stand here with my arms up." You may want to watch out for the unexpected, though infrequent, foul language, but otherwise this strong follow-up to
Take-Offs & Landings
fits right in with the already respected
Saddle Creek
roster. ~ Kenyon Hopkin