Album: Inside The Hollow /  12 tracks /  September 11, 2006 /  WEA International

The best album that has flown under the radar this past year is Inside The Hollow by Lillix, fronted by sisters Tasha-Ray Evin and Lacey--Lee Evin. The group which has reloaded this past year with two new members, Scott Thompson (bass guitar) and drummer Eric Hoodicoff debuted in 2003 with their album Falling Uphill. The project sold in excess of 500,000 CDs, an impressive accomplishment for any band this decade let alone a nouveau group from Canada, who at the time were still in their teens and breaking into the international market. Whereas Falling Uphill’s lyrics were darker and the music almost entirely given over to harder rock, Inside The Hollow is a CD that is sure to broaden the band’s already expansive fan base.

There is no doubt that if Lillix’s former label Maverick Records had not taken a nosedive and eventually died, Inside The Hollow would eventually have grossed more in overall sales than Falling Uphill. The writing is more balanced, retains some of the same edgy rock ballads, such as “Sweet Temptation,” but surrounds them with new wave offerings.   

With the second track “Little Things,” a commentary on a controlling relationship, Tasha-Ray once again demonstrates why she is considered to be a world-class singer.  During a recent interview when the comparison was made between her vocals and that of Blondie’s lead singer Deborah Harry, circa the 1970’s, Tasha-Ray admitted that although “Little Things” is an original tune that she too could hear the comparisons. No one who has taken the time to read Lillix’s bio should be surprised at the similarities as the two sisters have been since their early teens, heavily steeped in classic artists of the seventies and eighties.

For as much as “Little Things,” is a song with hit written all over it the next track “Every Girl,” is an anthem for teenage and college aged girls. The lyric takes a direct shot at guys who are emotionally abusive. This however is not a dark or moody track but stylized as a very upbeat, new wave song, that possesses fabulous hooks, and even better deep guitar grooves.

Confessing that they write and sing from their hearts Tasha-Ray and Lacey-Lee allow their fans to experience their vulnerability with songs such as “Doughnut,” based on a real life experience.

With Inside The Hollow Lillix exposes their fans to the many facets of their music including the very pretty rock ballad, “Wishing Well,” which incorporated a string quartet.

If you think that the band’s cover of “What I Like About You,” sounds familiar, it is. Lillix was asked to cover The Romantics’ song for the sitcom of the same name, which starred Jennie Garth and Amanda Bynes, while airing from 2002 to 2006.

Lillix was able to more directly influence the creative process with Inside The Hollow, than with their debut album. The group also worked with two new producers, Jeff Saltzman (Smash Mouth, The Drama) and James Michael (Alanis Morrissette), who Tasha-Ray says helped Lillix to push out the borders a little further.

Inside The Hollow is a fabulous album, well produced and features some of the best music that needs to be shared with your best friend.

The CD is available through Amazon and Maple Music.

Reviewed By:  Joe Montague

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Reviewed August 2007