This is the debut album for
Lily of the Valley, who formed many years earlier in Germany. Their unique style of music combines folk-rock and '60s acoustic pop with alternately punkish rhythms or gentle, dreamlike melodies. This all-female band consists of Daniela Kaul on vocals and guitar, Anke Kaul on bass and vocals, Eva Risch on viola and accordion, and Uta Wagner on drums.
Shine On is full of catchy melodies and pleasant vocal harmonies. The highlights are "Green Moon" and "When You Walk," two upbeat numbers showcasing their songwriting strengths, which fuse a retro with modern sound. "Lily of the Valley" is another similarly appealing number featuring a beautiful violin solo. On the more introspective side, "Le Vertige" is a French language piece with a spine-tingling accordion paired with a sensuous lead vocal.
Shine On experiences its ups and downs, its peaks and valleys; however, this is a promising band not afraid to experiment and try different approaches in the over-homogenized field of pop music. ~ Dave Sleger