Reviewed by Ben Martin

The Arkansas-based Ilia brought a smile to this reviewer's face when he first put the CD in the player by completely taking him by surprise. Immediate thoughts when faced with an all-girl band were typically chauvinistic but from the outset the energy and passion which were thrown out of the speakers were absolutely absorbing. There is a superb crossover which seems to have been mastered here between Thrice-esque post-rock and Pillar-esque hard rock/metal. At only four tracks, this EP is frustratingly short but what is present shows a serious amount of potential and some absolutely cracking songwriting skills. The standout track is "This Is Only The Beginning" with its positive and empowering message you find yourself completely ensnared by the varied, emotive and obviously passionate vocals with the strong, powerful music underpinning a lyricist who obviously cares greatly about what she is singing. Ilia are definitely a band to look out for in the future.