Lilygun
Lilygun adheres to no rules. A guitar-based rock band, Lilygun was formed by the enigmatic singer/songwriter/guitarist Anna-Christina. Her unusual combination of classical-rooted music mixed with dark alternative impulses has resulted in an uncompromising and unpredictable Rock that has an edge to it and has been described as "a shower of bullets and petals".
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"To those that have previously crossed paths with Lilygun, this debut album has been eagerly anticipated - if not long overdue. To all those who have not yet come across Lilygun, it will be a very pleasant introduction. The self-titled album has taken its time to come to life but as the old saying going, good things come to those that wait and Lilygun fits perfectly in that bracket.
There have been many debut albums that bring you that "wow" factor and Lilygun is right up there with the best. With only 8 tracks on the album you may be forgiven to question are you getting value for money but when you find out that the shortest track lasts for 4 minutes you suddenly realise you are getting more music than most 12-track albums.
Lilygun have always been about creating their own sound, doing their own thing and it works. The songs are atmospheric, played brilliantly but above all sung to perfection by front woman Anna-Christina. Each song beautifully tells a story with genuine heartfelt and intelligent lyrics.
Moonlight and My Ways being perfect example of the atmospheric feel while opener Sunlight Dream and Excuses showcase the rockier side. One good thing about debut albums is that you can put any of your back catalogue on it, no matter how old. That is the case with Diamonds, which we first reviewed as a single way back in 2008 and, along with the sinister Conversations, we are more than delighted to see them make an appearance here.
Finally, Lilygun are getting the attention and recognition from the music industry for all their qualities and hard work. About bloody time too." – 13/13 Neil Richardson
"Anna-Christina's voice is both unique and unexpected. Lilygun know how to lead their listeners, drawing them intimately close before hitting them hard with a punk riff or two. Lilygun's debut album is an insight into just what they can do, varied and exciting, it clearly sets them up as one to watch." – Keller. EGL Magazine
"Escaping the genre trap with consummate ease, Lilygun’s self-titled debut deals in freedom of expression and a feast of guitar-driven emotion dredged from the depths of London’s underground live music scene. Impossible to pigeon-hole and yet easy to admire, Lilygun could be the shot in the arm British rock is searching for." – Gun-Ho. Rush On Rock
"What’s most striking about the album from Lilygun is how they’ve combined a real sense of catchiness with their technical approach to things, combining their signature sound with an almost mainstream like quality, something which will stand them out as more than a simple rock band. This ability, and the resulting sound is what makes this such a stand out album. If you only ever listen to one album we review, then make it this one – believe me when I say it’s worth your while!" – Dave Nicholls. Loud-Stuff
"Few bands in recent memory have grabbed my attention like London rockers Lilygun. There is so much depth to this record. It’s dark and cerebral, it’s moody and pensive, it’s operatic and it rocks balls. Musically, there is an evident solid chemistry with gorgeous bass lines by Aaron John and David Ryder Prangley and drummer Belle Star laying down the foundation for massive orchestral highs and magnificently simple lows. Add to this a deliciously balanced mix of guitar sounds, ranging from haunting background growls to full bore wall-o’-sound solos. Then there is the tour-de-force that IS Anna-Christina. With song writing chops that, for me, rival those of the great Tori Amos, she is certain to be a force to be reckoned with. This is not to mention the fact that she is one of the most gorgeous bad-ass rocker women I’ve ever seen." – Kevin. Nanobot Rock Reviews
"This is a set of songs written by the band’s dynamic and charismatic singer, Anna-Christina, demonstrating such variety that it’s difficult to pin the sound down to 1 genre. The arrangements squeeze every last drop out of a fairly traditional line-up and create a huge dynamic range across the album. This is a great first album from an original and inventive band and I haven’t heard anything else this year to surpass this in terms of raw power and dynamic range. This is a great album" – Allan McKay. Music Riot