Memphis based roots rock band Lucero continue their association with Nashville operation Thirty Tigers with the release of their second album on this progressive platform. WHEN YOU FOUND ME follows in a similar vein to their 2018 outing when the horns synonymous with their hometown sound were eased out for a rawer rock 'n' roll feel. In line with AMONG THE GHOSTS finding new audiences the same could happen with this album that also features band frontman Ben Nichols shaping his writing from a deeper and more sensitive personal perspective. If the gravitational pull is for Lucero to float in the Americana ether then they will be in fine company as the feel from the new album is akin to those pioneers of alt-country who form a significant band within the broad umbrella of the ubiquitous genre.
While the writing subjects on Lucero's new record are strongly influenced by the tender moments of family placidity, there is still a harsh side to the vocals coupled with rousing guitar being the dominant sound even when experimental synthesiser is partly added. These factors strongly give the album an overall feeling of experiencing live music in a thronged setting especially relevant in Lucero's case as they are as likely to flourish in a dive bar as a large arena.
The combination of edgy grit and sensitive core make this record an appealing pull. Whether you listen closely to decipher Nichols' lyrics or sit back and let the vibes from an evocative album ravish your senses, the music of Lucero is set for a renewed presence in 2021. The band have a lot of credit in the bank in light of a twenty-plus year recording career and many accolades far and wide. However it can be lethal to stand still and wallow in past glories. With this in mind the current output and direction of Lucero puts them in a position to court new fans.
The status of Lucero means there will be no shortage of coverage, insight and opinion once the album is released. The song selling point for me spins on the axis of the inter-generational third person narrative piece 'Coffin Nails' where Nichols takes on the role of his grandfather contemplating the death of his own father, and the standout track 'Back in Ohio'. There isn't a lot of background information on the latter, but this scintillating emotive rocker needs nothing more to project it than a magnetic pull, effective straight from first play. These two songs will repay any investment before you sink into the album's deeper appeal.
Whether you choose to embrace the lyrical route of a profound personal message or just simply view that the record creates the ideal imagery of standing in a crowded space intoxicated by the magic of meaningful and energetic music, WHEN YOU FOUND ME will resonate and leave its gilded mark. Lucero have acquired many fans on their distinguished path and this shows no sign of relenting as the group power on with standard bearing albums like this. A blueprint to wrap a sensitive message in a gruff hardened exterior is a suitable summary of what Lucero curate here. Existing fans will need no introduction, otherwise checking them out from a newbie perspective is worth creating a little listening space for.