Silly Tilly Turns Raucous

The Ensemble's Latest Offering Shifts the Mood Toward More Realism

U p until now, most people knew the Omaha band Tilly and the Wall as purveyors of childlike innocence. On its first two albums, the five-piece ensemble incorporated bright vocal harmonies, belted out sing-song melodies and, most notably, eschewed a drummer in favor of the rhythm of full-time tap dancer Jamie Pressnall.

On the band's recent album, however, the lead single "Pot Kettle Black" features an uncharacteristically aggressive tone. Singers Neely Jenkins and Kianna Alarid shout their choruses instead of chirp them. Guitarist Derek Pressnall (husband to Jamie) creates distorted guitar riffs instead of sweet acoustic strums. Even Jamie's trademark fluttering beats are replaced by foot stomps and a drum kit.

"We didn't necessarily try to make a different sound; it just kind of happened," Jenkins said. "A lot of our [previous] stuff has been sweet and kind, but this record is a more realistic view of what people tend to feel."

Despite the hot-headed single, the album (technically untitled but generally called "O" because of its circular album art) won't necessarily be known as Tilly and the Wall's "angry album." Although "Pot Kettle Black" and the profanity-laced album closer "Too Excited" show a grittier side to the band's sound, "O" is actually the most sonically diverse album to date. For instance, "Falling Without Knowing" shows off a new-wave aesthetic, incorporating heavy synths and electronic beats.

But much of the experimentation on "O" comes in the form of percussion. The band recorded several of tapper Pressnall's beats through an assortment of amplifiers and floors to lend an unusual quality to each song. In addition, the song "Alligator Skin" features an all-girl tap trio as well as percussive pots and pans.

Despite the innovations and experimentation, Pressnall still makes her distinctive mark all over the album. Her galloping tap beats serve as the driving force behind the standout track "Cacophony," and "Too Excited" begins with a half-minute tap solo.

In reference to the band's upcoming show at the Black Cat, Jenkins anticipates that the album's expanded sound will result in a more raucous live show than usual.

"It's going to have a lot more energy, for sure," she said, adding that the band will bring a professional lighting expert to enhance the experience. Furthermore, the ensemble, which also includes keyboard player Nick White, will be rounded out by two touring musicians playing the guitar and drums.

For the uninitiated, a Tilly and the Wall concert is always a lively affair where no single member takes on the role of front person. Jenkins, Alarid and Derek Pressnall all provide vocals and play instruments, and it's always hard to stop staring at Jamie Pressnall's tap dance stylings. White remains the only member who doesn't compete for the spotlight.

Logically, Jenkins says, the collaborative live show is an extension of the band's songwriting process.

"Basically one person has an idea -- some lyrics or a melody, something to bring to the table -- and at practice we'll talk about it and mess around with it for a while," Jenkins said. "Everyone takes from the one little piece and then builds on it."

Signed onto Bright Eyes principal Conor Oberst's Team Love label, Jenkins expressed an appreciation for how far the band has come over its three albums. She admits that the Tillys were lucky to have friends help them as a fledgling act.

"I feel like we've had a lot of breaks from the beginning. Being from Omaha, [we have known] lots of people who have been in bands for a while, who have gone on their first tour and suffered through what it's like to be a brand-new band," she said.

"We had friends who were already successful, and to have them take us on the road and see such an awesome response was really positive for us."

Tilly and the Wall Appearing Saturday at Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Doors at 9 p.m. Tickets:$13 at the door or through Ticketmaster (202-397-7328 or http://www.ticketmaster.com) The Download: For a sampling of Tilly and the Wall's music, check out: From "Bottoms of Barrels": · "Rainbows in the Dark" From "Wild Like Children": · "The Ice Storm, Big Gust and You" From "O": · "Cacophony" · "Pot Kettle Black"