CD Review: Lila Rose's 'Heart Machine'

Lila Rose
Heart Machine
RTFM Records

Born in Canada and based in California, Lila Rose's upcoming album, Heart Machine, will set the stage for creative energies in the genres of alternative, electronic, and pop music. Lila's vocal and musical arrangements are very similar to the U.K.'s Katie Melua and The Cranberries lead singer, Dolores O'Riordan. Comparisons aside, Lila's arrangements are built on futuristic palettes of innovation and foresight that does not sound like anything previously-released by any other artist. The somewhat danceable track, "Like Champagne,'' contains melodies and instrumentation typical of Euro-pop with a fluttering flute and noisy percussion with vocals imitating a Finnish dance group. The dreamy, "Unbroken," contains a wash of fine vocals and pensive piano playing with backup vocals and a backdrop of electronic radiance. The quieter, "Give You My All," is an introspective song with guitar and voice. "Get Gone Again" is a vocally-quirky song with luscious keyboards and ballad-esque instrumental arrangements. Throughout the album, Lila presents us with a theatrical production of stellar instrumentation, a wide vocal range, and a diverse lyrical set of music that is nothing short of miraculous. ~ Matthew Forss