SHREDnews

For a band signed to Universal, Lydia is certainly able to retain their indie-band persona. It’s a good thing too, because you won’t hear their ambient rock on the radio too often, so they might as well stay loyal to their small but devoted fanbase. They gained considerable popularity in their hometown, Gilbert, Arizona before signing to HourZero Records, with whom they released their debut album This December; It’s One More and I’m Free. Since then, they’ve signed with bigger labels and released their sophomore album Illuminate.

Musically, Lydia is truly one of a kind. Their unsettling, ambient sound keeps the listener a little uncomfortable, but even more intrigued. Lyrically, Lydia is frustratingly evasive, but it appropriately matches the unpredictable song structures and unique musical arrangements. Frontman Leighton Antelman defines the sound of the band, whose characteristic vocals are uninhibited by the textbook rules of singing. He plays guitar while he sings his semi-anthemic but fully relatable choruses like “It turns out you were into yourself, it turns out you can find your way out.”

The band has released one video for the song “I Woke Up Near the Sea.” Here the band solidifies their surreal, faux-Victorian style. The video will remind of you of Alice in Wonderland, but with a darker, subtler tone.

Recently, fans saw the departure of Mindy White, the keyboardist/vocalist, and the only girl in the band. This was a huge loss for Lydia, considering that she was an iconic member whose vocals glistened on many of the songs in Illuminate. They may have a hard time finding a girl with as much charisma and talent, but Lydia is partly known for their token girl member, so they will likely find a replacement soon.

The only perceivable downfall of the band would be their inability to capture audiences in one listen. After all, you can’t dance to the ambience, and you can’t pump your fist and scream along with the choruses. It’s not that kind of band. Hopefully, listeners won’t expect the immediate energy of As Tall As Lions or the electronic bells and whistles of The Postal Service.

Listening to Lydia has some side effects including uncontrollable self-reflection and mild anxiety, but the kind that hurts so good. The haunting vocals and hypnotic beats are enough to penetrate even the most stoic listeners, and will definitely be rewarding to those who are willing to decipher the cryptic music of Lydia.