Holy shit! Who would have guessed that something this kick-ass could come from some baby-faced guy, who if it weren’t for his tattoo sleeves, could pass for the tuba player in your high school marching band.
Indiana-born singer-songwriter, Austin Lucas is giving his audience something different and exciting on his fourth album, A New Home In The Old World. Known for his acoustic work, Lucas’ new release is offering an energetic, full band sound with guitar anthems and acoustic ballads. The album is an exhibition of eloquent songwriting and excellent singing in which Lucas is always in control and pitch-perfect. Calling on his friends from Lucero as well as family, their contributions adds interest and enhances A New Home.
Opening with the rollicking “Run Around” the album starts full throttle. The drums, clawhammer banjo and fiddle grab your attention and perfectly complement Lucas’ twangy vocals. On the next track, “Sit Down,” the classic country arrangement doesn’t sugar coat the harsh character of a cheater. “Thunder Rail” is a song you’ll be replay over and over again. A rockin’ country anthem with crisp and agile guitar riffs making it as hard to ignore as a thundering train barreling down the track. “The Grain” is another guitar-driven song that is reminiscent of Neil Young and a bit more rock-influenced than the previous track mentioned.
“Nevada County Line” is a beautifully heartbreaking acoustic ballad. Lucas sings softly and in-sync with the gentle harmonies of his sister, Chole. So, when combined with the subtle yet gorgeous guitar and yearning pedal steel it becomes a stunning love song. But, it’s in the folk-bent acoustic song, “Keys” that Lucas’ songwriting is at its best. The poignant and poetic lyrics about war are moving and thought provoking like, “My generation needed it some death/ You ain’t a man he said until you’ve dealt some death.” It’s memorable words stick with you long after listening.
Austin Lucas has what it takes to become a music legend and A New Home In The Old World is the kind of record that conceives such legends. If you have never listened to Austin Lucas, I beg you to do so now. Whether you’re a country music fan or not, I guarantee you’ll become his fan.
— April Wolfe @ Common Folk Music
Purchase A New Home In The Old World
