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Lydia easily best band out of East Valley since Jimmy Eat World
Photo courtesy of Tim Harmon. www.timharmonphotos.com
Written by Abigail Christensen - Staff Writer
Lydia is an indie rock band that formed in 2003 with a unique sound similar to Straylight Run or Parachute. Although having little exposure, they’re definitely worth listening to, due to the inimitable vocals and distinctive rock ambiance. Their debut album, This December; It’s One More Time and I’m Free, was released in September of 2007 and introduced some promising alternative talent for any open-minded listener. Their second album, Illuminate, was a studio album released in 2008 and is even more ingenious than their first, with brilliant instrumentals, deeper lyrics, and a lighter sound.
Photo courtesy of Tim Harmon
Lydia’s first album, This December; It’s One More Time and I’m Free, is definitely the more upbeat album. This particular album contained more from the former member and vocalist, Mindy White, than the customary lead singer, Leighton Antelman. More comparable to Death Cab For Cutie, Illuminate portrays a desperate tone, exposed in the song, “It’s In Your Blood” which talks about how two were in love and by taking different paths, they were torn apart. “I still can’t see you. The summer came and we got lost, all of us. You are nothing with out her,” the song cries. The song “Always Move Fast,” slows down the heavy and melancholy guitar and drums, by implementing an acoustic guitar throughout the whole song. Antelman has a rough but lulling voice, which seems to float over the instrumentations and White, who adds input near the second half of the song, sweetens the overall sound of the song. Their subtle use of piano melodies throughout the album compliments the heavy beat of the drums, which flows smoothly with melodic, echoing guitars. Lydia’s distressed love songs of This December; It’s One More Time and I’m Free are in every way, intriguing and flawless.
Lydia’s second album, Illuminate, also exhibits the anxious plea for finding love, but without the constant strained vocals and bold lyrics. The ambient guitar and chords give the album a unique, pristine feel. The song, “This Is Twice Now” has an engaging hook, starting with light piano, rhythmic drums, and a sudden acoustic phrase. The song “Hospital” stood out above the rest due to abstract lyrics, which contained some hidden meaning about how a hospital is a symbol of his mind and how he’s trapped inside with feelings for a girl down the street. This song has a downhearted quality that is sure to compliment a broken heart. The song “Now The One You Once Loved Is Leaving,” which is an uptight tune about someone pleading for his lover to stay, features White, and instead of White as the background vocalist, Leighton and White share the spotlight in this song. The drums are weighty with intense guitar and syncopated piano, fading out after a light build and echoing vocals.
Each album leaves the listener wanting more, with Lydia’s brilliant and creative mixture of alternative and indie rock. These musical collections have a heartrending mood about them, but are full of deep meaning and beyond typical pop or simplistic local artists such as Sorry Cali and Some Never Sleep. Lydia effortlessly passes up the alternative rock band from Mesa, Jimmy Eat World, and although having little disclosure, they are definitely worth the listen.
Photo courtesy of Tim Harmon
May 4th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Nice article, good work. Best A&E article on here!!