CW50 recently named I Love Lightning Bugs Best Blowout Band. And for good reason. These three guys put out an eclectic mix of modern rock with a compelling retro spin. I Love Lighting Bugs (or ILLB as it's known to its ever-growing fan base) brings new life to the Detroit music scene. And with their upcoming tour, they're poised to spread the love far and wide.

Prompted by a rousing performance during the Metro Times Blowout, Ryan Allen of Patch.com raved about ILLB's melodramatic, bass guitar driven style, and their "Grandiose moves of U2, Psychedelic Furs, the National and New Order." Allen lauded, "It's uplifting music for a depressing time.”

Reminiscent of Frank Black and Bono, lead vocalist Reid Mclellan quickly captivates the crowd with his energy and charismatic style, while the intricate bass lines of Rob Shelby carry the melody-centric songs. Rounding out the on-stage trio is Ron Vensko on drums, whose rich beats make the three-piece group sound much larger.

I Love Lightning bugs is gaining fans and credibility as they work local stages in Ferndale, Berkley and Detroit, while some performances have taken them as far as Brooklyn, New York. Their purposeful lack of props or stage gimmicks underscores their passion for pure sounding rock. Currently, the band is spending time focusing on finishing their first full length album, while ramping up for a fall tour. Catch a memorable evening of soulful jams from these fast up-and-comers and you'll be able to say you saw them when...