This album was released a year ago so you may wonder why it should be reviewed now. Two reasons; one is that a search of ND doesn’t bring up a review, and two, I’ve just come across this band and think they deserve a shout. I discovered Uncle Lucius through an announcement of a European tour coming up in October and November; not only did the name catch my eye but what really set me off was how one of the band members had described their music as “southern rock for the thinking man”. That was more than enough to start investigating Uncle Lucius and listen to The Light.
Uncle Lucius are not newcomers. The band was founded by Hal Vorpahl and Kevin Galloway in Austin back in 2002 and through relentless hard work and touring they have built up a loyal following whose financial support enabled the making of this (their fourth) album. Uncle Lucius are now lead vocalist and guitarist Kevin Galloway, lead guitarist Mike Carpenter, Jonny “Keys” Grossman, drummer Josh Greco and Vorpath’s successor on bass, Johann Valles.
This is a tremendous album and a great find. Everyone in the band writes and if I had to summarise The Light in a few words it is a collection of reflections, really quite deep, about life and the universe that embrace philosophy and mythology. These musings are set to some great music, much of which is unmistakably “southern” but goes beyond any single genre. Influences seem to be many and varied; Capricorn label artists at their height come to mind (particularly the Allman Brothers for pure southern slide guitar and Marshall Tucker Band for the big sound) but I’d cross borders to include The Band for the fusion of styles. A more recent comparator could be The Band of Heathens.
Such a collaborative approach is almost bound to give the album a diverse feel but Uncle Lucius achieve this within individual songs. This is my overriding impression of their music, it can be complex, not just the in lyrics but also the arrangements and varied tempos within a song. Where to start? Taking in the Views does just that; both lyrically and musically this one song covers a lot of ground, leaving Chicago heading for Asheville via Ohio. Tipping its hat towards fellow Texans ZZ Top, the song also reminds me of The Marshall Tucker Band’s Blue Ridge Mountain Sky. Lots of looking into the distance with poignant thoughts of a new life as the band’s pace gathers building into an almost orchestral crescendo that reaches a plateau of exquisite slide from Carpenter. All the while Galloway’s rich voice takes the listener through this masterpiece. Book of Revelations is another slow build up into further crescendo, this time assisted by Eleanor Whitmore (The Mastersons).
There is more of this mix of tempo on No Time Flat which picks up momentum driven by Josh Greco’s drumming. Wheels in Motion has Jonny Grossman taking over on vocals sounding not unlike Roger McGuinn. Another slow starter that builds up is Nothing to Save. Mike Carpenter opens Age of Reason with slide that is unmistakably southern, no prizes for guessing influences here. It is a powerful song written by Hal Vorpath, “And you may call it high treason, but I’m still calling for the age of reason”. A similar relaxed pace lies behind Gulf Coast Gypsies; possibly self descriptive?
That’s not to say Uncle Lucius don’t rock. Just listen to End of 118. Who wouldn’t want to be in the audience in some small tightly packed venue when they get into that groove? Likewise, Don’t Own the Right.
This album has a very complete feel. It does make you think and Uncle Lucius draw on a wide range of country, blues and roots influences. I must get hold of the previous three records but can’t wait to see the live show. Europe is in for a treat.
Btw, the name comes from a friend of a friend from Louisiana described as “eccentric”.
http://www.uncleluciusmusic.com/
