Tobias Lilja‘s third album, Delirium Portraits, is a most beguiling but pleasantly charming record. It’s pop, but it’s a deathly sort of pop, made for people who find comfort in the darkness, solace in the sicker things, and those who love a moody atmosphere. For this, his third album, he has decided to expand outward from the chilling IDM and electronica, and explore elements of dance and pop, and in so doing, highlighting his singing. Lilija has one of those voices—okay, the man doesn’t sing inasmuch as speak-sing, but that really is a benefit—as the instrumentation behind him ranges from melancholic ambient (“All Ears,” “Love Song”) to more upbeat electronica (“No Death Star,” “Morocco”), to straightforward Eurodance (“North,” “In My Belly), Lilja’s lyrics and singing fit quite nicely over the music. He speak/sings with a dark tone, not unlike Black Heart Procession‘s Pall Jenkins or Piano Magic‘s Glen Johnson. While other singers attempting what he is doing could easily come off as painfully melodramatic and laughably precious, it’s to Lilja’s credit that he never falls guilty of said crimes. An enjoyable listen, suitable for late night reading sessions or autumn parties.
