On 1996’s Better Can’t Make Your Life Better (reviewed here in the very out-of-print NUB #1, a collector’s item in itself), the Lilys made their mark around these parts as a rock band that liked the alternate homage between the second British Invasion and groovy psychedelia. Their 1997 EP, Services (For The Soon To Be Departed), is more of the same, with one foot planted firmly in this decade and one hand reaching for the Byrds’ greatest hits record. You can sense more of a Beach Boys influence on this record, though; through its six tracks, Services meanders from singsongy pop ("Hark, An Open Channel") to a Pet Sounds-meets-Velvets pose ("The Gravity Free Atmosphere Of MSA"). Still, it all fits together nicely into one long 15-minute song, bridged together by short instrumentals like "Icy Water, Water Everywhere" (which has an almost Eastern feel) and "Pookah".
All in all, Services is another trademark Lilys throwback to a more exciting time and place, wrapped in the Union Jack and waving the ‘60s flag for all to see. I’m looking especially forward to their upcoming record, due any month now; it’ll be interesting to see if they continue in that direction or delve into a completely new sound. Either way, they’ll likely pull it off with the same panache and rollicking spirit that’s defined their two most recent records.
--Brandon Grimes