Now Indie Whiz Liam Finn Eyes U.S. Debut With Jan 22 Release Of 'I'll Be Lightning'

Sydney, AU. (Top40 Charts/ Yep Roc Records) - Already the odds-on favorite for debut artist of the year in his native Australia, twenty-three-year-old indie wunderkind Liam Finn is turning his attention to the U.S. with three upcoming CMJ performances in October, and the stateside release of his album 'I'll Be Lightning' January 22 on Yep Roc Records.

Finn wrote all of 'Lightning''s fourteen songs, and plays most of the instruments on the album, a fact driven home in powerful fashion by his jaw-dropping live shows. The Sydney Morning Herald described one recent performance: 'He constantly and inventively loops his guitar parts before jumping on to a drum kit and flail[ing] away with manic energy and skill.' Layering on bass loops, and the occasional theremin line as well, Finn can take a song from primal, solitary guitar riff to bracing wall of sound. Singlehandedly.

Recorded in New Zealand, the album itself is similarly charged, by turns reflective and shambolic, but always melodic. Finn recently told the Morning Herald 'I purposely did [the album] all analog; there were no computers involved. I made all the loops live and played them on to the tape. I purposely didn't demo this record because I wanted to capture that spirit in the recording.'

In addition to the cd and digital release, Yep Roc plans to issue 'Lightning' as a vinyl LP, with a bonus cd containing the full album plus five exclusive tracks.

Though 'Lightning' is Finn's solo debut, he is a seasoned recording and touring artist. He began performing with his father, Crowded House founder Neil Finn, at age fourteen, and founded his own group, Betchdupa, soon after. That group would record for legendary Aussie indie label Flying Nun, and open for Pearl Jam and Coldplay. More recently, Liam joined Crowded House for their historic reunion shows at this year's Coachella and Glastonbury festivals, and the Live Earth concert in Sydney. He also opened for Crowded House with his own solo set on several dates.