Customer Reviews

Illuminate

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most of what I have to say has already been presented in the previous reviews. I do get a kick out of Amazon placing this album under the "Hardcore and Punk" section of their sales, but I digress...

This album is the culmination of a decade of music that has featured several attempts at defining what "emo" is, what "punk" is now, and what "indie" is. No one cares anymore, and I'm not sure anyone ever did. Lydia present an album that some may label as one of the aforementioned genres, and you should disregard any such label (before listening to any album, really). Lydia have given us a gem of an album to lean heavily on. The lyrics have some good depth to them. Sure, they preach similar themes that we have heard in the past, but they are both sincere and sung with meaning. Musically, the vocal delivery is first thing will stand out to a first time listener. The harmonizing is certainly the best I can recall having ever heard consistently throughout an album. The melodies are intricate and never dull. The use of "building up" a song is not overdone, and is fully featured in one of the album's gems, "Sleep Well." Each song has its place on the album, and a group of 11 people may offer 11 different favorites as their choice off of Illuminate.

If you are still skeptical of this album, listen to the samples Amazon has online. I promise you won't be disappointed. If you are, you probably haven't been a fan of this "genre" this decade, and that's your taste. But if consider yourself someone who has listened to "emo," "punk," or "indie," I'd give this album a listen.

This album is nothing short of amazing. The polyrythmic front with heartstopping lyrics belted from the amazing vocalists Leighton and Mindy comes together to make a superb sophmore album from Lydia. It is a must have album at any price as is "This December it's One More and I'm Free..." whereever you might be able to find it.

One of the greatest cd's of all time.. I used to think Dashboard Confessional was passionate back when I listened to it all the time in 2006.. I didn't know what passion was... Lydia has an epic sound that seems almost surreal.

If you like the work of bands like Copeland, Mae, This Day & Age, etc. then you are bound to adore this album. It is dreamy and hook-laden. The lyrics are a manic type of emotional, which helps this stand out amid other albums of similar sound. It cuts deep. And I highly recommend it to any fan of this sort of sound.

I found Lydia quite a few years ago when they only had their first album out. I loved This December; It's One More and I'm Free, but when Illuminate came out, I fell in love all over again. This album is pure genius. I cannot get tired of it. The album cover is beautiful as well. This music will relax you, without boring you. I can't wait for the next album!

On occasion a band's music and their artwork will match up perfectly, allowing a listener to "judge an album by its cover art." Illuminate is just such an album. The lyrics, music, and vocals combine immediately and throughout to give the distinct impression of a dreary, cold, windy field. The rain has not fallen here yet, but there is no doubt among all those who inhabit this place that a rain is coming.
From the outset, a dense melancholia pervades the ears. Even in moments when the lyrics take a more outright romantic turn, it is with a tinge of sadness. Many times lead vocalist sings about either the silence in his brain or living in his brain. This is quite an apt description, as the whole album seems to come from a pensive state. It is passionate but loses none of its elegance in passion. That's the feel of the album.
As to the sound, other reviews have mentioned both Jimmy Eat World and Death Cab for Cutie. I agree to an extent, but the most prevalent band that came to mind for me was Copeland. Leighton's vocals match well with Aaron Marsh's in the song "Hospital," but even before I knew Copeland had any association with the album, I was thinking of Beneath Medicine Tree mixed with Eat, Sleep, Repeat. I also sensed certain shades of Daphne Love Derby's album On the Strength of All Convinced, but only to a small extent. There is a certain amount of calm anger in some of these songs that escapes those other bands. And perhaps that's the best way to describe them: passionately calm, if that makes any sense.

I have loved Lydia since their first Album "This December; It's One More and I'm Free". I am simply amazed of "Illuminate". Mindy's voice is amazing and the songs are melodic and addicting. Definitely listen to "Hospital" and "Now The One You Once Loved Is Leaving".

<333!

You HAVE to give this band a chance! My brother who is a big fan of the 'not so mainstream' bands introduced me to Lydia. They are extremely talented and the sound is very different from what is currently out there...give them a listen to because I am sure you will be hooked!

Lydia is definitely an up and coming new band that you'll have to check out. With a mixture of intense lyrics, unique vocals and enticing melodies, Lydia is certainly one of those rare bands you'll only happen to find once in a blue moon and be happy you did.

Lydia is an amazing band. This cd is more than I thought it would be. It brings you on an emotional journey that entrances you for hours. JUST LISTEN!