Ill Lit

Though they may hail from Brooklyn, Ill Lit's heart belongs in Tennessee. Their debut album, WACMusic ("We Are Country Music"), is a melange of alt-country rock and ambient noise. Aptly released on Badman, who've recently had records by Mark Kozelek and My Morning Jacket come out, Ill Lit seems to fit into their roster quite nicely. There is a true atmosphere to the music that conjures up thoughts of loneliness and hardship through the retrospective lyrics of singer/songwriter D. Ahearn. There is both character and estrangement in these songs, which relish in their effortless production. It's quite an accomplishment to achieve a futuristic country sound, and Ill Lit have done it with more than just a synth and steel lap, they've done it with their hearts.