I’m a little behind on this one, but The Lilacs Endure is the band’s first new release from Chicago’s pop-masters, The Lilacs, in more than 25 years.

Produced by indie-rock legend Richard Lloyd (Television, Matthew Sweet, etc.), and recorded in Nashville at Scotty Moore’s legendary Studio 19, The Lilacs Endure features four never-before-recorded songs.

The Chicago-based Lilacs first appeared back in the early ’90s, with their roots in the band Green. Lilac Ken Kurson played bass for that band; on this 4-song return to activity (CD and digital only), former Green drummer John Valley joins original members Kurson and David Levinsky, bassist Steve Poulton and keyboardist Jimmy Matt Rowland for a hearty dose of riffy power pop. If you want added insight into the nature of their sound, Material Issue’s (late, great and sorely-missed) Jim Ellison produced their first 7-inch.

These four songs scream “classic” power pop; “Monica” is that quintessential stomping, shouter – to a wayward paramour (interesting side note: the way the verses are structured, I almost hear Joe Walsh’s “Life Of Illusion” in the melody, except with much more vigor!); it’s hooky, catchy and instantly memorable. “I Saw Her First” is a very ’70’s pop-rock (think Shoes/Cheap Trick) anthem, which is – again – catchy and not unfamiliar in the best possible way.

Since there are only 4 songs here, I won’t give away the rest! Seek this out and hear it for yourself. There’s still plenty of time to make up for being late to The Lilacs.

The Lilacs Endure is currently available

https://www.thelilacsendure.com/music

By Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been involved in the music industry for over 30 years - as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, freelance journalist, producer, manager and working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star, traveling down South and his orange Gretsch. He's pretty groovy!