Endure
Pravda, 2019
9/10
It’s been pretty quiet in the The Lilacs’ camp for two and a half decades now, but the early ‘90s Chicago power-pop champions are back with 4 never recorded tunes here, with half penned by Ken Kurson and half by David Levinsky.
“Monica” gets the album off to an energetic start with loud hooks, oozing melodies and a power-pop punch that you won’t be able to get off your mind, and “Shadow Of Doubt” follows with sturdy rhythm in a cautious yet thundering blast of gigantic rock sounds.
The last 2 tunes are just as strong, though a bit more subdued, including the bluesy swagger of “Blue Spark”, which is both vocally expressive and musically moving with a Hammond B3 appearance, and “I Saw Her First” ends the EP with an anthemic, punchy exit of fun synth, thumping percussion and slick guitar licks.
A record that was created after The Lilacs played a reunion show in 2017, while it’s unlikely The Lilacs will be a full time band anytime soon, let’s hope occasional tunes pop up, as the songwriting is still top notch, as is the delivery.
Travels well with: The Replacements- Tim; Material Issue- Destination Universe