Luke Tuchscherer displays all the attributes of an articulate hard rocker on his latest album. Additionally, Clubhouse Records return to the forefront of talent enablers adding a rare release to their catalogue, and faith in a long term accomplice has been healthily repaid in the shape of a powerfully curated record. LIVING THROUGH HISTORY peels away multiple layers of Tuchscherer's artistry to reveal an album sharp, incisive and stacked with dynamic energy. Whether you feed off guitarists buoyantly stirring the pot or singer-songwriters threading key messages with meaningful words, this 6th album from an artist now back in the UK will resonate highly.
There was little surprise that the secure partnership with David Banks is firing impressive volleys. The latter is becoming increasingly present as an effective backroom operator and adds many fine touches to this 10-track collection (There is a hidden track on the CD version.) The passion of protest is in fine fettle as a period of living in the United States no doubt added to the impulse of venting anger. Mind you, anywhere in the western world is exposed to the dangers sparking Tuchscherer to fight back in the best way he knows.
Eight fiery provocative pieces stand alongside two milder offerings. The balance works with 'Living Through History' wasting no time kicking things off in hard hitting mode before the quainter reflective 'Goodbye Bergen Street' harks the perfect poignant closer. Bend your ears one way and hints of late 70s Weller bound along in spirited lyrics and channelled ire. Tilt them in another direction and echoes of Springsteen's storytelling rocking out drift across the waves. Extra-amplified guitars are near-omnipresent though essential vocal clarity eases the listening process.
Effective protest music is good for the soul. If you align in the same camp as Luke Tuchscherer, line after line will ring loud and true. If you don't, a simple lesson is laid out. The aforementioned opening track sets the scene with a wider look at where the world is and the motives that have taken hold. The second track blasts a hole in the status quo with 'Gonna Be a Reckoning' laying bare a prediction. Tuchscherer's former home gets subtle digs in 'This Was Me' with a slighter lighter sound issuing in a moment of ear comfort. The pace immediately is ramped up in 'You Should Be Ashamed' with the culture war getting a voluminous bashing. The first real tempo change occurs at the midpoint with 'Walls Come Tumbling' pleasing ballad fans.
'Whose Side Are You On' leaves you in no doubt to the song motives with a tenuous nod to Billy Bragg in the title. Here we see a return to some seriously strong rocking out. 'So Sudden Somehow' embraces acres of post-punk vibes as the lyrics get a touch more cryptic. Protest music needs some optimism and 'This World is Worth Saving' offers hope and an possible endgame. 'Our future's not our fate' are wise words. 'Most Days' guides the album towards its deeply personal closer and is a final dose of Luke Tuchscherer digging deep to serve up a sizzling hot rocking out track.
In a world where 'Americana music' is increasingly difficult to define, you just know that LIVING THROUGH HISTORY will sit right at the heart of it on sentiment alone. Its ears are drawn to what Luke Tuchscherer has to say and will be stoked at how effectively he conveys meaning. The sound is vibrant. and effortlessly bounds along. A truly memorable and meaningful record.
