It was kind of shocking when Rilo Kiley decided to leave Saddle Creek in pursuit of their own record label, Brute/Beaute. In the whole history of Saddle Creek Records, no one has just decided to leave the label. Ever. Somebody had to do it sooner or later. There are no contracts, so any band can leave with ease. Rilo Kiley indeed left with ease along with a distribution deal with Warner Brothers.
The theme on Rilo Kiley's third album is more, hence the title More Adventurous. The sound is more expansive, more sophisticated, and more polished. There are more instruments and thus more people including a small chorus called No Better Cause who does unnecessary vocal support. The lyrics are more mature and overall better. Some things do not follow the theme of more. They enlisted the help of producer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Mogis again. Also, Blake Sennett is limited to singing only one song, "Ripchord," although it sounds like a lo-fi sea shanty. Those who love their quirky interludes won't find them here.
Jenny Lewis begins the album with a running commentary in "It's a Hit." She attacks the president by comparing him to a chimp. She continues by criticizing songwriters and then finishes with a blow to executioners. The music is more elaborate with various instruments and No Better Cause doing the shoo bop doo wops. Lewis plays the homewrecker in "Does He Love You?" who excitingly sings "I think he loves me and when he leaves her, he's coming out to California!" but finally evaluates the situation and shouts "your husband will never leave you, he will never leave you for me." A good balance of strings with the representation of violin, viola, and cello makes a moving conclusion to the most emotional piece written about homewrecking.
"Portions for Foxes" is similar to songs on The Execution of All Things with their basic band instruments and their countrified pop songwriting; it's incredibly catchy as with most of their music. Lewis has a very lovely voice and she tries her best in "I Never" a throwback to the 60's diva era. Although Lewis is not a diva yet, she does a good impersonation of one against the backdrop of the beautiful instrumentation.
Jimmy Tamborello of the electronica Dntel co-produced with Mogis in "Accidntel Deth" which results in a more synthetic sound. It's not quite Postal Service material, but some elements of the band can be found in the song. They get back into their alt-country roots with "More Adventurous." They leave out percussions to make room for the soothing pedal steel, the vibraphone, and the glockenspiel. In contrast, the heavier rock sound in "Love and War (11/11/46)" has rough and sharp guitars with intense drumming and handclaps.
The various styles of music displayed on More Adventurous showcase a growing band that is testing their limits. All these additions to their sound make it seem that they are compensating for something. I just can't put my finger on it though, because the album is so catchy.
