10 Mar 2014

Lilies on Mars "Dot to Dot" Review

Reviewed by Elizabeth Klisiewicz

I’ve spent a lot of time this week spinning this English (by way of Italy) duo’s enchanting new record, and it’s sucked me in like so many other Saint Marie releases. Label owner Wyatt Parkins has a knack for sniffing out the best talent in shoegaze/dream pop/ambient territory, and these ladies are no exception.
Drop the stylus on any one track, and you might hear elegant echoes of Air, Thievery Corporation, or their own brand of dreamy spy chick soundscapes. Honestly, they have such an awesome brand of space age bachelor pad music that you can’t help but be charmed and enthralled. These ladies (Lisa Masia and Marina Cristofalo) have light and airy voices, but aren’t afraid to toss thick layers of effects on top to creep you out a bit. Witness the cool way they twist their vocals on closing track “Martians” for just a small sample of what LOM can do. With help from Valentina Magaletti (Fanfarlo/The Oscillation) on percussion, and guest vocals from Franco Battiato (a popular Italian singer/songwriter) on “Oceanic Landscape”, they’ve served up an embarrassment of sonic riches.
The gorgeous “Sugar is Gone” is perhaps my favorite track, evoking recent bands such as Still Corners and Beach House, only with their own delicate take on retro space pop. Vintage instruments coupled with futuristic washes of warm, electronic sound create a unique soundscape for throwing off the winter chill and basking in the light cast by this wonderful release.

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