With a Regina Spektor playfulness and a blues rock core, Lying Delilah go for the gusto with cinematic flair. And on the Chicago trio’s new EP, Return the Love, the combination of rambunctious organ, fat low end, prog rock rhythms and singer Jodi Rosenthal’s sultry vocals is equal parts whimsical and soulful.

While the concept isn’t exactly ground breaking, Lying Delilah prove that they’re more than the girl-with-piano-has-a-band-and-plays-pretty-stuff stereotype. The songs on Return are dense and structured in a classic rock style with jammed out codas and quirky breakdowns.

“Take Me Home” dances along with a dirty organ groove courtesy of Mike Maimone of Chicago rockers Mutts, and bassist Steve Pesich brings forth his inner Flea with an uber-funky bass line on “Magic Man.” What starts as a slow burning and sour lament, “Crybaby” descends into an angry climax. “Grey & Cold” find Delilah heading into power pop territory until Andrew Dumaresq revs up the tempo with cheery cymbal play.

But the EP’s biggest highlight comes in the form of opener and title track, “Return The Love,” which features a tip-toe string arrangement that gives way to bouncy, cabaret-like moments.

Lying Delilah manage to finely balance a singer-songwriter sound with a full band feel, which works to make Return the Love a modern pop delicacy.

Lying Delilah -- “Return the Love”

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LYING DELILAH
9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8
Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave
21+. $15.
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