Title: Lylit Unexpected
Record Label: Kedar Entertainment
Singer, song-writer and instrumentalist Lylit, who hails from Austria, the classical music capital of the world and the birthplace of such music legends as Mozart and Beethoven, is striving to bring her unique gospel-infused jazz sound over to the US. Her new EP, ‘Unexpected,’ comes with high expectations, as she has the same look and feel as R&B/pop-rock singer-songwriter-musician Pink. Even at the young age of 25, Lylit already stands out, as she has a life full of diverse experiences to write about.
‘Unexpected’ doesn’t fail to deliver with its first song, titled ‘The Plan,’ as it instantly grabs its listeners’ attention and refuses to let go. ‘The Plan’ definitely sets a high bar for the rest of the EP with a catchy instrumental melody leading up to Lylit’s surprisingly powerful voice. The gospel singer draws her listeners in and refuses to let go; the song infuses the Austrian gospel countryside with African American traditions. Lylit creates a unique sound by channeling the hip-hop/jazz/classical mix she learned while being professionally trained during her university years. She surprises yet again during the last minute of ‘The Plan,’ as her instruments are tuned down to primarily feature her commanding voice.
Lylit, whose real name is Eva Klampfer, proved she’s independent when she adopted her stage name from Lilith, the first wife of Adam in Jewish folklore. The singer further shows that she doesn’t follow rules with the up-beat and catchy song ‘Hooked On.’ While the song is about being lost in love and being afraid to let go of a relationship, Lylit isn’t afraid to move on from the thrill of love.
The next song on ‘Unexpected’ is ‘Opera,’ which takes a completely different turn from the EP’s first two songs. ‘Opera’ is a slower song reminiscent of one of Lylit’s favorite singers, Billie Holiday, and features a great mix of tempos.
Lylit put her time touring with the 16-piece post-modern jazz, hip hop and drum band, the S.K. Invitational, to good use when recording ‘Opera.’ After touring and recording with several other jazz musicians, including Matthias Löscher, Lylit was afraid of neglecting her own music, and was eager to get started on her own EP. But while she was afraid of getting too comfortable being a touring musician for other people, the jazz Lylit picked up while touring perfectly complemented her love of pop, rock and electronica on ‘Opera.’
Lylit moves back to her up-beat tempos and showcases her multi-instrumental talents on ‘Change.’ The singer plays almost every instrument on ‘Unexpected’ by herself, and mainly just receives help from drummer Andreas Lettner. The first 30 seconds on ‘Change’ is a great homage to Lylit’s instrumental talents, as it even features her on the analogue synthesizer. When she does begin singing, Lylit stands by her mantra of breaking free from mundane everyday life. She pushes people to change what no longer works in their lives.
Overall, ‘Unexpected’ showcases Lylit’s multiple talents, including singing, song-writing, composing, arranging and playing instruments. Her extensive professional and personal background in music led Lylit to make the right decision to showcase her life experiences in every song on her EP. If the songs on ‘Unexpected’ are any indication of what’s to come on her full-length debut album, ‘Evasion,’ scheduled to hit stores in March 2011, the Austrian Pink will bring her successful European career to America.
Buy Unexpected by Lylit on Itunes and while your at it, be sure to check out Lylit’s official facebook page.
Written by: Karen Benardello
