:: Tilly And The Wall - Bottoms Of Barrels

Till And The Wall

The band had released an album a couple of years earlier, but it has been a fresh sound and musical outlook that sees this US band stamp a mark upon what we're hearing these days. There is a unique charm and quality, evidenced by the good time feel - lots of handclapping and cheery beats, and catchy choruses. It's noteworthy for a regular listener to music from all types that a band like Tilly And The Wall can make an immediate impact and stand aside from many others. The full and adept instrumentation (they even use cello, trumpet and piano accordion) and the rousing vocals by Neely Jenkins add to an exciting and exuberant sound. Actually, Neely shares vocals alongside Derek Presnell and feed off each other well. The use of a tap dancer percussionist sums up their vibrant and inventive nature. They can strip things back a little, as shown with “Coughing Colours” and “Love Songs”, using their variety of instruments to good effect in providing a nice break from other faster-paced numbers. Keen fans of the band would also note the benefit of a full studio production as opposed to their previous home studio effort. Their talk of innocence in an adult world allows for the fun and glory that we imagine, with highlights “Bad Education” and “Rainbows In The Dark”, giving those joyous moods and colourful textures. Sometimes we need to escape any of the woes of the world with disguised celebration. Tilly And The Wall gives us a snapshot of youth and enthusiasm and hope.