Lukeus –
Samples (Independent)
American singer-songwriter Lukeus Adams was born in
Utah, but is now settled in Portland, Oregon where he’s been releasing his
music since 2002, slowly but surely finding a substantial local following. “Samples”
should see him broaden his audience. His songwriting style and presentation
might best be described as alternative folk, as it’s very much song-centred,
with just an acoustic or electric guitar providing primary backing. The
musicianship is bright and clear, but it’s Lukeus’ voice that chiefly catches
the ear. Its cracked, weathered tone seems to reflect a 100 years of hard
living, and it drips a sad and soulful intent.
The collection gets off to a fine start with “Shining Sun”, a tasteful
psychedelic folk song with simple but wholly effective strumming keeping things
structured and accessible. “Everyone
Has One” saunters along like a fractured, broken version of Lou
Reed’s “Kicks”, though the subject matter bears no similarity whatsoever –
perhaps it’s just a related rolling rhythm and shared sense of turmoil. Over
these seven songs he rarely takes a misstep. For those who require a safe, easy
comparison, think early Devendra Banhart or the pre-electric Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Whether Lukeus will be able to build on “Samples” and take his music in new,
strange directions, I’ve no idea, but while there’s an album available with the
above songs, and others like “Some
Times” and “Soul
of Rhythm”, the future can take care of itself.
Rob F.
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