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Lucero

Should've Learned By Now

Written by: PP on 09/05/2023 00:24:31

Lucero is one of those American bands that never made a big name over here in Europe, yet they've been churning out enjoyable alternative country with punk undertones at a steady pace since their 2000 debut album "The Attic Tapes". Twelve albums down, "Should've Learned By Now" continues to deliver their deep south-rooted Americana rock for contemporary audiences without changing much from a formula that just works for them.

Stylistically, Lucero has always been somewhere between Social Distortion and The Hold Steady, with a healthy dose of Bruce Springsteen style great American song thrown into the mix. Ben Nichols' charismatic, halfway scratchy/gravelly vocals lead the way while the band loads up on the deep south sounds using cowbells and other ideals from their roots. It's a relaxing, easy-listening sound with songs like "Nothing's Alright" resembling Social Distortion's country-themed punk rock almost to a letter.

Though never as commercially successful, Lucero's approach to songwriting has often been on par with that of Mike Ness. "Should've Learned By Now" is likewise full of fine examples of laid-back, Americana-twisted punk slowed down to recapture some of that 80s glory in the process. It's subtle and down-to-earth, yet feels like basements and intimate clubs would feel like too small venues for their casually spacious songs. It's a record you can pop on while having almost anyone visiting your home without fear of offending them. And therein also lies its weakness: it's straightforward and enjoyable but lacks the flair and spectacular moments that'd elevate it above other significant releases this year. It's a fine album that you'll pop on from time to time, and if you're a Lucero fan, it's exactly what you want from the band. But in the grand scheme of things, it's unlikely to make bigger waves within the music scene at large, even if the title track is a fantastic song in its own right.

Download: One Last F.U., At The Show, Nothing's Alright, Buy A Little Time
For the fans of: Social Distortion, The Hold Steady, Bruce Springsteen, The Police
Listen: Facebook

Release date 24.02.2023
Thirty Tigers