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As it stands, this one just squeaks by on the power of some very good songs and their typically energetic performances.
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In the end, it's not going to change the world, but it shows that the group is definitely expanding (in a good way) their sound from their early days.
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Alternative PressO finds Tilly And The Wall perfecting the art of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses--without losing their inherent sweetness or zest for music's restorative qualities. [July 2008, p.150]
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Tilly and the Wall stick with their signature combination of half-shouted words and harmony vocals. But the group also breaks new ground with punk rock riffs and percussion that well surpasses the standard of tambourines and Jamie Pressnall's tap dancing.
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Clever, joyous and never patronising, O is a half hour bite of summer that’s perfect for fending off the darkening nights.
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Twee-sy tiger! Omaha act mix up their newest record with more attitude but still stay true to their original style.
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On their third album O, the day-glo Omaha quintet Tilly and the Wall spoons some peanut butter into my mouth. After an initial scare with the typically saccharine, non-album single 'Beat Control,' they diversify after all, which doesn't mean more overdubs.
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MojoO resoounds with the lustily imparted vocals of Kianna Alarid and Neely Jenkins, while the band's signature instrumental palette--fizzing guitars, chunky '60s organs--has expanded into a thick sonic cheesecake. [Nov 2008, p.109]
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In contrast to the potty-mouthed numbers that precede it, the song's ['Heartbeats'] starry-eyed optimism is contagious and solidifies Tilly & the Wall's status as an indie band with dance-floor aspirations.
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Now mature pop songwriters, the Omaha quintet sounds more like a conventional band on O, favoring rousing sing-along choruses, richly layered pianos and trumpets, and even standard drum kits.
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Despite the evolution of their sound, Tilly and the Wall haven't forgotten about what made them appealing in the first place: bright co-ed harmonies, rousing choruses, and their overall open-hearted good nature.
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On the album’s strongest songs, the band displays a strong sense of self, infusing their previous sound with unexpected sonic twists and turns. On the weaker songs, however, they betray their core aesthetic, adopting attitudes and sounds that make them sound disingenuous at best and at worst, like self-conscious poseurs.
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Q MagazineIt's a heady, exuberant mix, although the mystifyingly reduced vocal contribution of Jamie's husband Derek in turn reduces their uniqueness. [Nov 2008, p.123]
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The Tillys have managed to keep the tap alive by focusing on quality songwriting while at the same time preserving their youthful wonder and elegant sensibilities.
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Yet here they are on their third full-length, and rather than calcify into indie-scene shtick, Tilly's music has gotten funnier and more vibrant.
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Tilly And The Wall are excellent at writing instantly infectious pop songs ("Dust Me Off" may be their best yet), and they've finally corralled a full palate to go with it.
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UncutTheir third LP reveal a sweary rock toughness that suits them (surprisingly) well. [Nov 2008, p.120]
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Under The RadarThe result is an expansion of the band’s sound, which offers some pleasing diversions into the dark (musically) and profane (lyrically) to offset a tendency that often leans toward the saccharine. [Summer 2008]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 9 out of 10
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Mixed: 0 out of 10
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Negative: 1 out of 10
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TimE.Jul 12, 2008
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ChadS.Jun 30, 2008
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ErikaWJun 29, 2008A great album with a couple key listening-list tracks. An improvement from their last album.