Tilly and the Wall sprang out of Omaha in 2001 - a Midwestern band of like-minded friends with pockets full of melodies, and a lot of pockets. The serendipitous result of five Omaha residents with a penchant for the same classic '60s pop, boy/girl harmonies and Americana folk records, Tilly and the Wall celebrates the petulant, determined, feisty nature of youth. They rejoice in tales of dreams followed, mistakes made, and hearts broken.
Tilly and the Wall released their debut album, Wild Like Children, in June 2004 on Conor Oberst's label, Team Love. Neely and Jamie were once in a band with Conor before he became known worldwide as Bright Eyes. Derek and Nick moved to Omaha from Atlanta, Georgia. Upon meeting, it was as if long-lost friends had found each other: without a doubt, the Tillys were born. Once the songs were written, Conor agreed to helm the production duties, and hence, Wild Like Children was unleashed on the world. As one of the first albums released on Team Love, Tilly and the Wall set a precedent for the label's identity: original, smart, exciting and, above all, easy to sing along to. The record consisted of 11 perfectly formed songs bursting with enthusiastic hyperactivity, while emanating a bitter sweet melancholy of long lost summers and misguided first loves. In front of a backdrop of sunshine, rain and snow, Tilly and the Wall sang songs about loving and kissing, dancing and drinking, staying and leaving, driving and talking, sleeping and dreaming, all set to the tap-tap-tapping of Jamie's toes. The press from sea to shining sea fell in love instantly.
And so, the Tillys went to meet their adoring fans, playing shows throughout America with the likes of Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, The Go! Team, Pedro the Lion, Of Montreal and more. When not on the road, the band began working on the follow-up to Wild Like Children, simply titled Bottoms of Barrels. Recorded over three weeks in October and November 2005, the album was recorded by AJ Mogis, brother and mixed by studio co-hort to Bright Eyes' Mike Mogis. Bottoms of Barrels sees the Tillys taking their signature sound to the next level. The choruses are more rousing, the tapping more intense, the instrumentation fuller, each sound painting broad brush strokes across your speakers. Longtime friend Nate Walcott contributes a bit of trumpet, while other friends have added drums, accordion and cello. A couple of tracks even feature the vocal styling of University of Nebraska's own choir Trip the Light Fantastic, bolstering Neely and Kianna's dulcet harmonies. Bottoms of Barrels fully demonstrated the importance of Tilly’s “we” perspective – with a gang full of voices, the band made strong declarations about love, freedom and their own place in the world. The album took the band on travels they had only dreamt about, resulting in extensive tours throughout Europe, Australia, Japan and even Iceland. They also played their first-ever sets at major music festivals, including the Reading/Leeds Festival, Coachella and Japan’s Summer Sonic. By the middle of 2007, they returned home to Omaha to begin work on their next long-playing record, having amassed legions of fans, as well as frequent flyer miles, across the entire globe.
Their 2008 record, which has no title but is represented by the shape o (the cut-out shape framing the handmade cover artwork for the record), was produced by acclaimed producer Mike Mogis through the harsh Nebraska winter of 2007. o sees Tilly and the Wall redefining their sound, taking bigger, bolder steps towards experimentation while maintaining the elements that have always made them who they are. o draws on everything from nature to magic, from sex to astrology, with a larger focus on percussion, rhythm, harmonies and kaleidoscopic melodies, yet ultimately still sounds like our five musical friends from Omaha.
Their album Heavy Mood was released in 2012. They broke up soon after that. Vocalist Kianna Alarid joined the Kansas City band Yes You Are. A retrospective album I Want to F*ck It Up (Tilly and the Wall 2002-2013) is planned for 2020 on the Team Love label.
Cacophony
Tilly and the Wall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh this river, has grown so wide
We need some change, some kind of sign
Oh yeah the human heart's so cold and blind
These modern times, they're just not right
I said lets go, I set this up
All on our knees, I beg and pleas
Got sweat drippin down over all the clocks throughout town
Cacophony, how long will it be?
Oh I can see the singer rising from the floor he wont leave
Its all becoming, its all beginning
Two stiff fingers for a left right blessing
it keeps it running, it keeps its message
Keeps the rhythm of confessing
Oh lost in town, i feel your sound
I hear you plea, your banged drum
I see the tear, roll down your cheek
You're so beautiful ingrained out loud
Into the dirt, the muddy curve
We hear the man, its covering
We feel the sweat, see the tail
Collecting underneath our fingernails
Laying underneath our sheets and covering our mouths
Cacophony, how long will it be?
Oh I can smell the smoke from burning buildings
Its all becoming, Its all beginning
Two stiff fingers for a left right blessing
It keeps it running, keeps its message
Keep on confessing, lie aloud lesson
Its all becoming, Its all beginning
Two stiff fingers for left right blessing
It keeps it running, keeps its message
Keep on confessing, lie aloud lesson
The song Cacophony by Tilly and the Wall is a powerful commentary on the state of the world and the need for change. The opening lines of the song plead for a break in the monotony of life and the routine struggles that have left people feeling cold and blind. The lyrics portray a sense of urgency and frustration with modern times, calling for something to shake things up and bring about much-needed change. The song's title, 'Cacophony,' reinforces the underlying message, as the track's mix of downtempo beats, harmonies, and layered vocals creates a dissonant sound that protests the unjust nature of society.
Throughout the lyrics, the themes of resistance and rebellion are prominent, with lines like "Lets go, I set this up, All on our knees, I beg and pleas." The repetition of "two stiff fingers for a left-right blessing" is like a call to arms, urging listeners to join in the fight against the status quo. The song's instrumentation is likewise rousing, with the band using unconventional percussion, claps and stomps in the verses, and soaring harmonies in the chorus. The effect is hypnotic and inspiring, encouraging hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh come on please, split from the sky
Urging for a sign or change in circumstance to come forth.
Oh this river, has grown so wide
The situation has become more difficult than it used to be.
We need some change, some kind of sign
Desiring for a clear indication of a shift in events.
Oh yeah the human heart's so cold and blind
Acknowledging the apathy and lack of foresight that can come from people.
These modern times, they're just not right
Expressing discontent with the current state of existence.
I said lets go, I set this up
Proposing action and taking initiative to make a change.
All on our knees, I beg and pleas
Desperation and willingness to do whatever it takes to bring about change.
We got sweat drippin down over our brows
Physical exertion and discomfort being experienced.
Got sweat drippin down over all the clocks throughout town
The passage of time is not being kind and everything seems to be stagnant.
Cacophony, how long will it be?
Questioning when the noise and disorder will end.
Oh I can see the singer rising from the floor he wont leave
Despite the chaos, there is still hope and promise.
Its all becoming, its all beginning
A sense of transformation and evolution.
Two stiff fingers for a left right blessing
A symbolic gesture of guidance and hope.
it keeps it running, it keeps its message
The importance of maintaining momentum and clear communication of intentions.
Keeps the rhythm of confessing
Encouraging honesty and vulnerability in the midst of uncertainty.
Oh lost in town, i feel your sound
Being attuned to the energy and emotions that surround you.
I hear you plea, your banged drum
Empathizing with the struggle and fighting spirit of others.
I see the tear, roll down your cheek
Acknowledging the emotional toll that comes with resistance and pushing for change.
You're so beautiful ingrained out loud
The strength and passionate conviction of those fighting for their cause.
Into the dirt, the muddy curve
The rough conditions and obstacles being encountered.
We hear the man, its covering
Others are weighing in and influencing the situation.
We feel the sweat, see the tail
The physical toll and consequences of fighting for change.
Collecting underneath our fingernails
The fight is a part of one's identity and remains even after the battle is over.
Laying underneath our sheets and covering our mouths
The struggle is pervasive and extends into all aspects of life.
Cacophony, how long will it be?
Repeating the question of when the disorder and turmoil will end.
Oh I can smell the smoke from burning buildings
The consequences of chaos and unrest are starting to be seen and felt.
Keep on confessing, lie aloud lesson
Continuing to encourage honesty and open communication in order to reach a common understanding.
Its all becoming, Its all beginning
Reiterating the idea that progress and transformation are underway.
Two stiff fingers for left right blessing
A reminder of the importance of hope and guidance in times of hardship.
It keeps it running, keeps its message
The importance of persistence and clarity of purpose.
Keep on confessing, lie aloud lesson
Continuing to encourage honesty and clear communication as the struggle for change continues.
Contributed by Gabriel M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.