The Basement will release their US debut album Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs on May 8, 2007 through Zealous Records (Universal). The band will make their first visit to the US in May, with shows in Nashville, Philadelphia and New York. Originally released in Europe in July 2006 by Deltasonic/SonyBMG, their debut album was recorded over three weeks at Liverpool’s Motor Museum studio. Producing the album was fellow Irishman Mike Crossey (Artic Monkeys, Dead 60’s). The band has toured extensively, including a recently finished run with M Ward. Like the Flying Burrito Brothers with hips, like Van Morrison letting loose with some backstreet white-boy soul shouting, The Basement embody the best from the past while thrusting it into the present. The spirit and intensity of Dylan’s late 60’s period with The Band is ever present in this remarkable debut from one of Europe’s most exciting new bands.