So many bands and artists have heartbreak stories about how they rose from nothing to everything.
Rilo Kiley’s story is a bit different; They’re led by two former child stars. Lead singer Jenny Lewis had supporting roles in “Troop Beverly Hills” and “The Wizard.” Likewise, Blake Sennett, their lead guitarist, played supporting roles in “Boy Meets World” and “Salute Your Shorts.” Formed in 1998 straight out of Los Angeles, the two former child stars were joined by talented bassist Pierre de Reeder and awe-inspiring drummer Jason Boesel. Not only can this foursome record an amazing album, but they also perform a mind-blowing concert.
After an hour long wait, the first opening act, Art in Manila, came on and turned out to be quite a disappointment. Lacking stage presence, the lead singer, Adrianne Verhoeven, seemed nervous and none of their songs stood out from one another. The audience was far more interested in looking at the balcony to see members of Rilo Kiley walk by. To be fair, I have never listened to any of Art in Manila’s music before; but as a live act, I’d rather have seen Paris Hilton perform.
When the second act, Grand Ole Party, hit the stage, the entire audience was enraptured by both their music and their stage presence. I could not help but dance to the drummer’s beat and lead singer Kristin Gundred’s dynamic, fresh voice. Between her, the guitarist, and the bassist, they created a sound so brilliant and original, one could not help but marvel at the low-key, but fabulous band.
Finally, it was time for Rilo Kiley to take the stage, and as the techs were setting up the instruments and microphones, you could have sworn they were setting up for The Temptations, with a shimmering gold curtain for the background, gold plated amps and a retro keyboard.
The audience was more enthusiastic at the Thursday night show, compared to the previous night, and you could tell that it was not just a great show for the audience, but for the band as well. The band formed an exhilarating spirit as they transitioned from song to song and for that matter, genre to genre. If you have ever listened to Rilo Kiley, you know that they are not just “indie” or pop. Some of their songs are solid folk, while others (especially on their new CD Under the Black Light) sound like 80’s pop, and still others remind you of no other song or artist — in that sense they are truly in a genre of their own, and their sound was translated into the engaging, original concert.
The flirty banter between Lewish and Sennett made the show that much more interesting, as the audience watched to see what Lewis would do next: Teasing the audience, she moved back and forth across the stage. Each song provoked the audience into more excitement. Favorites like “Portions for Foxes,” “With Arms Outstretched,” and “A Man/Me/Then Jim,” caused an even more enthusiastic uproar and the band appeared grateful for the overwhelming response to their music.
Rilo Kiley ended the show and quickly ran off stage, but the audience was determined to get them back for an encore. After about five minutes, the band did come back on stage and sang two more songs, “Give a Little Love” and “Spectacular Views.” The band seemed overcome with gratitude as Jenny sang, “You got to give a little love/ give a little love/ give a little love/ to get a little love.” I think at that point both band and audience took those lyrics to heart as both got a whole lot of love from each other.