Lucero - Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers

  by Geraint Jones

published: 21 / 4 / 2007

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Gruff and gritty, once heard, there’ll be no mistaking Lucero front-man Ben Nichols’ sandpaper rasp of a voice again. It’s might not be pretty but it’s pretty effective. Determinedly blue collar themes permeate Lucero’s output, much now as they have done throughout their six album existence; booze, bars, cigarettes, women and regrets making up the bulk of their stock in trade. While they’re hardly rewriting the rulebook, lyrically or musically, and Nichols voice is an acquired taste – an occasional harmony wouldn’t go amiss – Lucero’s energetic, impassioned roots rock, evolving as it does from what was originally a punk perspective has an undeniable appeal. Joined on the new album by Cat Power’s keyboard player, Rick Steff, their punk-fuelled hybrid of rock, country and even pop at times has undergone something of an evolution, heard to best effect on ‘The Mountain’. Unfussily produced by David Lowery (Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven, Sparklehorse), and sounding all the better for it, despite some initial reservations, repeat plays reveal Lucero as more than worthy torch-bearers for Memphis’ esteemed musical heritage. And I bet they kick up an absolute storm live too.

Track Listing:-

1 What Else Would You Have Me Be?
2 I Don't Wanna Be The One
3 San Francisco
4 I Can Get Us Out of Here
5 Nineteen Seventy Nine
6 Cass
7 The Mountain
8 Sing Me No Hymns
9 The Weight of Guilt
10 She's Just That Kind of Girl
11 On the Way Back Home
12 She Wakes When She Dreams

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