Quillion

Tackling the concerns of adulthood with more lyrical maturity and originality than most bands, Quillion proves it is possible to express one’s pain and disappointment without a vulgar display of melodrama. To the Hilt‘s opener, “Take a Bow,” is a disarmingly delicate number with bell tones accenting the rhythms and Amanda Ray’s most emotive performance of the album. “Sour Grapes” starts promisingly enough with swaying dynamics and counterpoint melodies but ends up going in more conventional directions. “Two Thieves” ends the release on a graceful note, with the band bringing together a combination of grit and an interesting mix of balladry and the confessional in Ray’s vocals. Although the songs admittedly have a more modern-rock sensibility, Quillion often sounds timeless.