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T1 Fest 2019
The inaugural T1 Fest will take place on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th at The Forge in Joliet, IL. All proceeds from the shows will go to the JDRF, (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to assist in their fight against type 1 diabetes. Organizer Jim Costanzo felt compelled to establish the event after his family was affected by the disease. He explained, “My nephew Joey was diagnosed at the age of three and like so many others, we had no understanding of it, but we quickly learned that this is a very serious illness.” He continued, “Working with the JDRF to learn what lied ahead for him, we saw so many families that were not able to handle the financial burden of providing care for their child. We have since made it a goal to raise as much money as possible to assist the JDRF in their mission to raise awareness and find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”
Costanzo cited his experiences growing up in Chicago’s punk scene as motivation for coordinating this fest. When reflecting on those times, he said “What we found was a community, a scene where even as teenagers we could make a difference. Whether it was playing shows against racism or gathering coats for the homeless, we saw that through music change was possible. One day we were discussing ideas on how we could do our part and we thought it would be great to put on a benefit show like back in the day.”
After setting his idea in motion, Costanzo was able to assemble a lineup that features numerous noteworthy acts. Friday night is headlined by Flatfoot 56 with support from Brendan Kelly, (The Lawrence Arms/Wandering Birds) The Brokedowns, and Andrew Thomas. Saturday’s festivities begin at 3:30 PM, with the following bands playing: The Smoking Popes, The Lillingtons, 88 Fingers Louie, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, Vandoliers, Kali Masi, The Reaganomics, and Cap Gun Heroes. Tickets for each individual night are available, as well as weekend passes, and can be purchased here.
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The Lillingtons
Earlier this month, The Lillingtons played Beat Kitchen and we met up with singer/guitarist Kody Templeman to talk about the band’s latest album, Stella Sapiente. The record, (their first in 11 years) features a host of new influences, ranging from ‘80s post-punk to vintage speed metal. The new sounds mesh with lyrics centered on the occult to create a distinctive style that somewhat reintroduces the band after a lengthy hiatus. We spoke with Templeman about how the album was written, its various themes and what the recording process was like. We also discussed the band’s upcoming European tour, Templeman’s disdain for insects and more. Continue Reading…
The Lillingtons – Stella Sapiente
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 10/13/1
Earlier this month, The Lillingtons made their Fat Wreck Chords debut by releasing their first full-length in over a decade, Stella Sapiente. Given the amount of time between albums, it’s understandable that this release incorporates new influences, and thankfully the band’s use of heavy and dark styles is a welcomed change. Their traditional pop punk tendencies have taken a backseat to metallic riffs and songs about paranormal knowledge and covert agencies. In some ways Stella Sapiente is a natural progression for The Lillingtons, but in others it’s a sizeable shift that finds the band experimenting with a new sound and ascending to previously unachieved heights.
The record opens with “Golden Dawn/Knights Templar,” an ominous song the references secret societies and employs undistorted guitar leads, really setting the mood for the rest of album. “Insect Nightmares” is one of the record’s catchiest tracks, complete with dueling guitars and a relentless pace that spotlights the rhythm section’s skills. “K6” and “Zodiac” both evoke memories of the band’s third full-length, Backchannel Broadcast, while “London Fog” features a serious guitar solo near its end that’s sure to please any fan of Iron Maiden. As the album draws to a close three of its strongest entries can be found, beginning with “The Walker.” The song starts with a pensive rhythm and haunting vocal melodies before the rest of the band comes in with blistering energy. “They Live” is the record’s fastest track and also boasts its most impressive guitar solos, (and that’s saying something). “Drawing Down the Stars” wraps up the album, bringing to mind hints of Judas Priest and effectively paying homage to thrash metal.
With Stella Sapiente, The Lillingtons have not only written the next successful chapter in their history, but more importantly laid the framework for what appears to be an exciting future. After an extended break they’ve returned and managed to reinvent themselves by creating a record that would appeal equally to fans of old school pop punk, metal or horror. Whether you haven’t listened in years or you’re completely new to the band, don’t delay in checking out this album.
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