Retro rock can sometimes come across as being either agenda motivated or nostalgia based but with Lucifer, the spirit of the 60’s and 70’s seems genuine and clear cut. There’s no attempt here by the band to simply recapture past glorys but more to do with embracing the attitude and the sounds of what made that era of music appealing and enticing to those that prefer their tunes to be decipherable, catchy and fun. Lucifer deliver that on all counts and with their second album now out, it seems the band have found their path that continues where Lucifer I left off.
With members that include bands like The Oath and The Hellacopters in their resume, Lucifer are clearly a band that grab your attention with a slick but loose sound and style which shows what they want to sound like. Lucifer II sticks to a style that is obvious to a certain listener and with a mix of both the 60’s and 70’s with only the most subtle of modern touches, the songs here are gut wrenchingly raw and honest but fun to listen to.
“California Sun“, much like many of the songs on offer, is laid back 70’s groove with a swagger that showcases powerful vocals from singer Johanna Sadonis who is the focal point on many parts of this album. That’s not to say the guitars and rhythm sections don’t have their shining moments even after the bluesy melodic track “Dreamer” that follows, “Dancing With Mr D” has some slick slide guitar work that also gives off a little Nazareth vibe while “Reaper On Your Heals” is more subdued with a little Black Sabbath licks and a short but energy infused guitar solo.
Much of the second half of the album intertwines strong vocal parts with guitar duets and momentary twangy notes, all part of the atmospheric experience found on this album. From 70’s funk rock in “Aton” to the sludgey chuggs of “Faux Pharaoh” and the brilliant closer “Evening Wind” with it’s sleepy bluesy vibe, Lucifer II is melodic retro rock at it’s best. With a combined machine that utilises all parts involved, it’s a solid set of songs that delivers unapologetically what it sets out to achieve.
TRACKLIST
California Son
Dreamer
Phoenix
Dancing with Mr. D
Reaper on Your Heels
Eyes in the Sky
Before the Sun
Aton
Faux Pharaoh
