by Jamie Robash
photo by Dan Ball
With their high-energy sound and vast sonic output including 11 studio albums to date (and the fact that they are constantly touring), alt-country rockers Lucero have built a loyal following across the country since forming as a product of the Memphis music scene in 1998. Among their albums of horn-addled country rock, many tended to follow the themes of rambling and drinking. However, with the release of last year’s Among the Ghosts, the band took a turn into darker territory as frontman/founding member Ben Nichols became a family man and suddenly realized that there was more to life than drinking and playing anthemic country songs (although not too much more, we hope). Though known for their blistering live sets and good-time party anthems, expect Nichols and company to toss in a tearjerker or two for good measure. Either way, it helps to have a few beers handy.
