Beck and The Flaming Lips have something in common. (Lots actually.) But one thing is, they’re both apparent influences on Pennsylvania’s, Illinois, whose EP, “What the Hell Do I Know?,” drops this week on Ace Fu Records. Hooks and jangles, guitars and banjos, incredibly catchy and fun, straight-forward-but-slightly-crooked songs.
None of this is as weird or experimental as some of its obvious influences, but there’s enough quirky vocal effects and ironic sunshine here to draw obvious comparisons.
This is an excellent EP that gets better and better the more you listen to it.
Tour dates:
March 20th: LuLu’s State College, PA w/ The Hold Steady
March 26th: Cake Shop New York, NY w/ Trainwreck Riders
April 10th: Great Scott Boston, MA
April 12th: Mercury Lounge New York, NY
April 14th: Starlight Ballroom – Philadelphia , PA w/Dr. Dog, Spinto Band, Bardo Pond
April 20th: Sarah Lawrence College Bronxville, NY w/ Grizzly Bear
April 25th: Club NME @ Spaceland – Los Angeles, CA
April 28th: Casbah San Diego, CA
And then on toor with the Kooks! Most dates sold out, but tickets are available to these dates:
May 11th: Irving Plaza New York, NY (SECOND SHOW JUST ADDED)
May 12th: 9:30 Club Washington, DC
SAVE THE WORLD, WIN A CONTEST
Jonny Lives! is a hard-rocking, fun-loving old pal of Berkeley Place, and he’s doing something great y’all should know about and support. On his recent tour with Everclear, for which we gave away several sets of tickets, Jonny rode in a converted Bio-Diesel van. Through concerts, educational programs, video and other accessible media, Jonny has been speaking out about alternative fuel and renewable resources in classrooms across the country. It’s all part of Rock N Renew, an environmental initiative centered around renewable resources. Here’s a vid about it:
Right now, they’re doing a contest where you can create a video about Rock N Renew principles (global warming, energy conservation, alternative fuel, and sustainability of our planet). First prize is a trip to New York City to the Green Apple Arts & Music fest, the largest earth day event in the US of A.
For more info, go here.
BONUS LINKS:
of God and Science—America’s Queen
“One-eyed Cloud”-The Weird Weeds
Plus, go here for their free EP!
