Illuminate - Lydia

My oh my - Where did this come from? Out of leftfield, Lydia have created the album of the year, one which any self-respecting music fan should be compelled to hunt down and try out. You won't hear these songs on the radio, or accompanying advertisments on TV - the sounds here are too delicate, too special to be debased through the media. Opener, 'This is twice now' sets the scene, all breathy vocals and lush instrumentation - Gliding along on a wave of male/female harmonies, its the perfect introduction to the treats within Album highlight, 'Hospital' is boosted by the stellar vocal work of Aaron Marsh (Copeland) which helps to drive ...  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