Lucero – That Much Further West

Lucero has shifted gears for its third full album. They have a new label and a new guitarist, and they’re producing themselves after two albums with the North Mississippi Allstars’ Cody Dickinson at the helm. Most of all, however, That Much Further West finds Lucero sounding a little more rock than country in comparison to the band’s past efforts.

The fist-pumping “Tears Don’t Matter Much”, “Tonight Ain’t Gonna Be Good” and “Hate And Jealousy” rock and rage, while quieter songs such as “Sad And Lonely” and “Mine Tonight” go for a bluesy, introspective vibe. Through it all, singer Ben Nichols’ Arkansas twang still comes through loud and clear, even if it’s mixed with a Mike Ness-style raspy growl.

Nichols, whose singing voice has a natural melancholy to it, could sing “You Shook Me All Night Long” and likely still sound a little bit country. He’s a talented lyricist with a terrific sense of imagery and a knack for getting the details right, as evidenced here by standouts such as “Across The River”, “Joining The Army” and the title track.