Although the name might suggest that Lydia is a female singer, they are in fact a band playing indie rock music. At the time they released this album, Illuminate, in 2008 they had six members, but due to disputes among them currently they only have two. Illuminate is Lydia's second album and the most successful one. In my opinion it is definitely the best. I was first introduced to the band as I saw this album cropping up on a couple of "best albums of the year" type lists as 2008 came to an end. I have listened to it a lot since then and I love it. However, not many people seem to have heard of it and it is massively underrated. This album is ...  Read the complete review

Lydia are unfortunately a totally under appreciated indie/ambient band. I am hoping that this review will bring them to peoples attention a bit more. Two albums in now Lydia are finally headlining their first tour in the U.S after releasing this album, Illuminate, in October last year. This album is stunning, both musically and lyrically. After a change in line-up since their first album 'This December; It's One More and I'm Free' this one sounds even more hauntingly beautiful than the last. In my iTunes i put these under 'Ambient Indie' as they have all the warmth and often infectious sounds of a good indie band but with vocals that will make you ...  Read the complete review