There is something thrilling about comprehending The Lilys' secret. Like many cult bands, their near obscurity can be perplexing. They are among the best bands to cross the line between shoegaze, dreampop, and post punk, and yet they continue to be one of indie rock's most closely guarded secrets. Throughout their journey, the Lilys have maintained a sense of mystery and authenticity.
Experiencing the sound of The Lilys feels like entering a realm where creative restrictions blur, as they have never been easy to pin down. A sense of curiosity and an eagerness to embrace the unexpected appear to be key ingredients in everything the great Washington, DC-based band has accomplished.
Led by the enigmatic Kurt Heasley, the only constant member in a frequently changing lineup, The Lilys offer a chameleon-like examination of shoegaze, mod revival, psychedelia, and post punk. Each offering of theirs feels like a new chapter, as the band reinvents itself with each release.
From the lush, reverb-drenched shoegaze of 1992's In the Presence of Nothing to the ethereal textures of the dreampop-based Eccsame the Photon Band, the sixties British Invasion-inspired sound of 1996's Better Can't Make Your Life Better, and the more psychedelic leanings of their later work, The Lilys have carved out a distinct musical identity by refusing to conform to any single genre or style.
After appearing in a Roman Coppola-directed Levi's commercial, the band's biggest hit, A Nanny in Manhattan, peaked at #16 in the UK, giving them a hint of greater popularity.
In the Presence of Nothing is an important moment in American shoegaze, with Heasley's vocals often submerged in the mix as an additional tool, blending into the swirling layers of guitars. The Lilys indulge in references to the past, still, what they produce never feels dated; there is an airiness and sense of play which keeps their art absorbing.
ZR