Uncle Lucius – Like It’s the Last One Left
Uncle Lucius returns from its five-year-hiatus with the highly anticipated Like It’s the Last One Left, and fans new and old will not be disappointed in this magical journey of soulful, mindful, mesmerizing Americana music. The Austin band is reinvigorated, celebrating a resurgence brought by 2012’s “Keep the Wolves Away,” which achieved platinum status after its appearance on “Yellowstone,” the most watched cable series on TV.
Kicking off with “Keep Singing Along” and ending with “Heart Over Mind,” Like It’s the Last One Left is a genre-bending record full of prolific lyrics, many of which give listeners sound advice on how to handle these hard times (“Hold on slow, now take it easy, be gentle with yourself”).
Produced by the band’s co-founder, former bass player and honorary seventh member Hal Jon Vorpahl (who also wrote several of the tunes and plays bass on a number of them, as well as guitars, keys and percussion), Like It’s the Last One Left is an ambitious, uplifting album that gives all members of this Texas juggernaut an opportunity to shine. Vorpahl on bass really drives the first track, “Keep Singing Along,” which also features a tasty guitar lick by Mike Carpenter and a fantastic build on keys by Jon Grossman, who switches to organ to take the track to church.
“Civilized Anxiety” is next, a rocker in the key of Creedence Clearwater Revival, with a riff reminiscent of “Fortunate Son.” Frontman Kevin Galloway holds nothing back, sharing his societal frustrations: “There’s too many people/with too many places to be/And this concrete cannibal coffin is suffocating me.” It’s relatable no matter where you live – what’s the deal with the stress level? The best part of this song is the bridge, where Galloway really wails, and the progression gets heavier, merging CCR with the Black Crowes. Drummer Josh Greco is outstanding on this – as well as the other nine tracks – but this one really allows him to let loose.
Too many people? Where are they coming from? On the third track, Galloway has some fun with the Lone Star State’s overpopulation, calling out “All the Angelenos.” It’s a playful Texan lament about the women and men coming from L.A. to Austin: “I’m from Texas, and I’m telling you, I ain’t never seen the likes of them.” It’s catchy and fun, and features sweet back-and-forth guitar solos by Carpenter and Doug Strahan (his first album with the band). Cody Braun of Austin’s Reckless Kelly joins in on fiddle.
Every band member gets a spotlight on this album. For Grossman, his accordion work on “I’m Happy” is what makes this song (what he considers an “odd cosmic waltz”) so joyful. It’s irresistibly pleasant, and is the perfect compliment to Vorphal’s lyrics, delivered with conviction by Galloway: “We’re lettin’ the world spin how it’s gonna spin/don’t worry about knowin’ which way I’m goin’/don’t worry about where I’ve been.”
“Tuscaloosa Rain” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. It’s tremendously well-produced, with gorgeous backup vocals by Uncle Roy and Spice and a captivating 70s-soul-inspired bass line by Drew Scherger that would get a nod of approval from Motown bassist James Jamerson. The climax of this song is one of the best moments of the album, as Galloway and crew pay tribute to Elvis Presley’s “Kentucky Rain.” Galloway’s howl is matched by gorgeous harmonious riffs by Carpenter and Strahan.
“Holy Roller” is the big jammer, where Carpenter really lets loose, putting his Southern rock and Texas blues roots to use. Grossman really comes alive on organ here, and Greco’s percussion and drums elevate the tune, taking it up another gear. It’s Zeppelinish. You know this is stretching over five minutes live, and I can’t wait to hear it.
Following the hard-rockin’ “Holy Roller,” which is intense in its musicianship and impassioned lyrics, the band cleanses your palate with a gorgeous instrumental, “Down the Line,” then transitions smoothly into “Trace My Soul,” another one that has a bit of a Black Crowes feel, and some of my favorite lyrics: “Let my tragedy give way to comedy, ‘cause that shit’s funny.”
And the last track, “Heart Over Mind,” is one that stays with you. It’s a Texas lullaby with a haunting, contagious melody, a gorgeous string arrangement and a chorus you can’t help but sing along with (when you do, it sets you at ease).“Heart Over Mind” is a mindfulness meditation in song, with a message we could all use right now: “Remember to breathe. Just breathe.”
Like It’s the Last One Left was recorded by James Stevens at EAR Studios in Austin, Texas and mastered by Jim Wilson Mastering. Additional musicians include Tracy Seeger (violin), Andrew Corral (violin), Bruce Williams (viola) and Matthew Gustafson (cello). Kelley Mickwee and Alice Spencer provide backup vocals on “Love In Kind” and “Trace My Soul.” Uncle Roy and Spice sing on “Holy Roller.”
Highlights: “Keep Singing Along,” “Tuscaloosa Rain,” “Heart Over Mind”
Stream Like It’s the Last One Left wherever you get your music starting Dec. 8. Buy the vinyl and learn more about Uncle Lucius (and where they are playing) here: https://www.yourunclelucius.com/