They might be cute as all hell, but British Columbian all girl outfit Lilliix are not just your ordinary girl group. They play their own instruments and list Queen as one of their influences. Since they hail from Canada, Lillix has been trying real hard to shake comparisons to that other Canadian - Avril Lavigne. But what Lillix is not, is a pseudo-punk girl group. They’re a quartet - Louise Burns on bass, Kim Urhahn on drums, guitarist Tasha-Ray Evin and her sibling, keyboardist Lacey-Lee and they have a real viable talent.

Because Lillix has worked with such producers as Linda Perry [of 4-Non Blondes fame, and who was responsible for Pink’s new musical incarnation], Glen Ballard[Alanis Morissette], and the Matrix[Avril Lavigne] – that pop edge is still very present, but there is definitely an edgier more refined quality to Lillix’s music.

Lillix was introduced to the music world as the group who sang the theme song of the WB show “What I Like About You” [they sang a rendition of the Romantics’ classic by the same name] and with the release of their first single ”It’s About Time” and a new album entitled ”Falling Uphill”, Lillix is poised to make a lot of noise.

The Evin sisters sing much of the Lillix lead vocals along with Burns and though I’m not yet able to discern one from the other, they all have very strong sounds. ”It’s About Time” in my eyes is probably one of the weakest tracks from “Falling Uphill” but it has that catchy hook and chorus that makes it memorable so I understand the logic of having it be the first single, it plays to that teen-angst [the girl themselves are teens] feeling, but the songwriting is perhaps a bit more mature: ”Time is creeping behind me, surrounding around me/Fading the words so desperately/Now give me a reason that I can believe in/Time is something you can't rewind”

Luck is on the listener’s side, because the majority of “Falling Uphill” is much better than it’s lead single. ”Quicksand” keeps it’s rock foundation and combines it with lush vocals and insightful songwriting. ”Tomorrow” might be the closest thing to “It’s About Time”, but the vocals are better and the production is more understated for a mid-tempo success. The vocals are cohesive and sweet.

”Invisible” sounds like it’s going to leave the rock in Lillix behind – but just when you think the sugary pop has taken over, the music breaks and Lillix shows you that they really are a capable rock quartet. ”Sick” rocks a bit harder than most of the other material and is quite good. But even having said that, the pop still creeps in through the melody and harmonies and they sound good doing it. I wouldn’t be surprised if ”Lost And Confused” winds up as the next single released. It’s simple, understated style allows you to concentrate on the music if that’s what you like, but it’s simple structure lends itself to singing along.

”Promises” is a good listen. A chance to hear every aspect of Lillix. The vocals are bouncy and strong and everyone gets an opportunity to shine within their own respective talent. ”Sick” is probably the darkest track on “Falling Uphill” and at best, it’s a hazy shade of grey. The Lillix girls saccharine voices are very difficult to think of as straight rock, and that’s okay because it suits them. They’re kind of like a softer, gentler of The Donnas, with better lyrics.

- Final Thoughts -
While they’re targeting that ultra-important TRL crowd, Lillix has enough talent and maturity to stand on their own. They’re definitely part of the “new breed” of musicians that includes talents like Micelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton. Lillix’ music can be best described as a softer, gentler kind of rock music with harmonization and pop-friendly melodies which makes their sound accessible.






Recommended: Yes