The Lesser Birds of Paradise:

The Lesser Birds of Paradise return with a new EP, It Isn't the Fall, released on Loose Thread on May 7th. The EP marks the Lesser Birds' first new recordings since their debut album, A Suitable Frame, was released on Loose Thread in July of 2000.

Mark Janka formed The Lesser Birds of Paradise in late 1998 with the help of a rotating roster of up to ten Chicago area musicians. On A Suitable Frame they knit a rootsy, organic mesh of guitars, bass, drums, electric piano, organ, ukulele, accordion, lap steel, clarinet, dulcimer and musical saw to back Janka's detailed narratives.

After recording A Suitable Frame the band trimmed down to the current four-piece lineup: Mark (vocals, guitar, harmonica, musical saw), Tim Joyce (vocals, guitar, accordion, baritone guitar, keys), Tony Bianchi(bass, ukulele), and Greg Thomas (drums, percussion) and took to the road, touring the Midwest and East Coast in support of A Suitable Frame.

In August of 2001 after a continuous schedule of live shows, the Lesser Birds headed into the studio with engineer Barry Phipps (Coctails). By the end of November, the six-song EP, It Isn't the Fall, was completed. While the songs on the EP still reveal Janka's knack for storytelling, the lyrics are broader and leave more room for inference. The Lesser Birds augment their live, organic sound on the EP with upright bass, optigan organ, stylophone, theremin (played by Barry) and vibes courtesy of Mark Greenberg (Coctails).

The Lesser Birds of Paradise are currently recording their next LP with Barry Phipps in his new North Branch Studio but will take a break to tour the Midwest, East Coast, and South in support of It Isn't The Fall this summer.

Press on It Isn't The Fall:

"Their lush, inviting melodies at first betray the complexities of the songs, and provide easy access into what ultimately prove to be truly rewarding listening experiences." - Ink19

"This is one of the best blends of rootsy folkish jams with acoustic indie rock... Slow melodic pretty jams for the perfect weather day" - Invisible Youth

"Need a little light and lightness in your life? This gauzy bird song is the soundtrack you've been searching for." - The Isthmus

"Laid back porch pop, The Lesser Birds of Paradise deliver a simple, calm collection of beautiful songs on It Isn't The Fall. It is a good natured, honest six songs that transcend indie pop into a light, nurturing spell that swims around you with soothing sounds to ease your pain as you sink into the songs and let go of your tension." - In Music We Trust

"Put this album on, invite your best friend over, and drink some beers or lemonade or something on your porch. It will instantly relax you and make you feel at home." - Geek America

"a calm, kind of country pop album. Singer/guitarist Mark Janka has a soothing voice that also feels very expressive and emotional." - Action Attack Helicopter

"Mark Janka's sleepy, high-pitched whispery vocals, which are almost jarring at first, settle into a sweet kind of off-key yearning over the course of six tracks, and his everyday stories sound more and more like lullabies." - Splendid

Press on A Suitable Frame:

"Nothing will blanket your bleak heart like this Chicago band's fine debut album. A Suitable Frame is familiar enough to be wholeheartedly invited in and beguiling and mysterious enough that you will undoubtedly ask it to stay." - Seattle Weekly

"A Suitable Frame is a pleasant sleepy record of subtle beauty." - Synthesis

"This debut shows that the Lesser Birds of Paradise can already lay claim to the kind of jaw-dropping musical talent most bands never come close to achieving." - Pitchfork

"Loose-limbed and fluid, A Suitable Frame delivers a number of memorable, gracious songs." - Splendid

"It's the contrast between the feeling of the music and the tone of the lyrics that makes this record so original." - Basement Life

"The tunes on here are slow and soothing, melodic, and musically magical country charm with an indie touch." - Impact Press