Guitars, Drums, Tones, and Saxophones

Austin Lucas - Somebody Loves You

Austin Lucas first came to my attention due to the LP he recorded with Hot Water Music’s Chuck Ragan last year, Bristle Ridge. Maybe I’m late to some game or another, but being both a full-time punk rock fan, and a casual country fan, I had never heard of him before. I’m glad that this has been remedied, though, because Lucas has released one of the best folk/country albums I’ve ever heard.

Now, when I say a casual fan of country, I should clarify; I’m talking about classic, old-timey country. Think the soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? and go from there. Not the guys you’re hearing on the radio singing songs about tequila making people’s clothes fall off. George Jones wouldn’t have sang about that, dammit.

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Chuck Ragan & Austin Lucas - Bristle Ridge

Chuck Ragan is probably, hopefully, known to many as one of the lead singers and guitarists for Gainesville’s beloved post-hardcore quartet Hot Water Music. Since that group disbanded back in 2006 (though they have been playing a few reunion shows here and there in 2008), the members have gone onto other projects; Chuck Ragan releasing a number of acclaimed acoustic solo albums in a country/buegrass vein, and the remainder of the band performing as The Draft. Austin Lucas might be a name unfamiliar to some. He’s played in a few punk bands over the years, and released some well-received folk/bluegrass albums. With a solid backing band (including Lucas’s father), they got together to record Bristle RIdge.

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