Walking Sideways
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Lily Vakili sure does make an impression across these 10 robust tunes, where influences like Patti Smith, Joan Jett and Brandi Carlile won’t be hard to spot or appreciate.
The title track starts the listen with thick guitars, thumping drums and Vakili’s soaring pipes in the retro-rocker, and “Sharp Devil” follows with plenty of grit invading the spirited harmonica, soaring vocal acrobatics and rowdy keys.
“Rachel”, the best tune present, lands at the halfway point and brings ‘70s rock and the early days of punk into a charged, melodic and energetic setting that’s got a sing-along quality, while “When 21” trims the pace back with calm keys and intimate singing that welcomes a soulful demeanor.
“Dreamy Dreamer” and “Father’s Son” exit the listen, where the former is a vocally powerful and a musically warm display of diverse skill, and the latter finishes the listen loud, forthright and full of spoken word, bright brass and very agile musicianship.
Vakili is joined by the guitarist Ben St. Jack, Joel Dorow on harmonica, Gordon Kuba behind the drum kit and bassist Matt Jovanis. Together, they flesh out songs of social issues and personal matters with a tremendous amount of force, strong attention to detail and a memorableness that you can’t help but admire.
Travels well with: Brian Straw- Baby Stars/Dead Languages; The Wandering Hearts- The Wandering Hearts