When they claimed that their music is based on old-school rock and classic 12-bar blues, they certainly weren’t kidding. Last week’s gig by Lucy’s Last at Coach & Horses might only have been their fourth or fifth, but what this band lacks in history it makes up for in sheer feel-good music that is delivered tightly.
The gig kicked off as it meant to continue – with a bass-heavy riff that was almost hypnotic. The highlight of the gig was, arguably, the second track Jenna. The song video was released some weeks ago and has been gathering very positive online feedback. Performed live, it sounds even better and vocalist Mia Scerri gives a very seductive measure of intensity to the vocals.
This was followed by Sadness, an edgy track that showcases the vocals beautifully. Scerri has a very engaging way of delivering her lines, combining sensuality with brashness, and the formula certainly works. Towards its conclusion this track really comes into its own, with the percussions pretty much going crazy, to the delight of the audience.
Percussion plays a big role in all Lucy’s Last tracks. Then again, the same applies to bass, guitar and keyboards. In fact, one of the things that emerged really clearly from this gig is that this band has a different approach to music to many others.
Too many bands fall into the trap of over-focusing on vocals to the detriment of the rest. Lucy’s Last, however, does not make this mistake and delivers a very well-rounded performance, both with respect to technique and instrumentation. Tracks like Strange Tongues and Excuse the Blues are witness to this.
The gig kicked off with a bass-heavy riff
In all nine tracks performed during this gig, the actual musicianship was given equal importance as the vocals, with most of the instruments getting their moment in the spotlight. The guys – George Sapiano on guitar, Aaron Cachia on bass, Mark Attard on keys and Elton Grech on percussions – share good stage chemistry and it is easy to see that, even though the band itself is a relative newcomer. They share history together.
The band closed off in style with a mini-mashup; the intro to Arctic Monkeys’s Do I Wanna Know, leading to a cover of Cher’s Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down). An interesting take on a well-loved favourite, this was a super-fun conclusion to a very tight gig.
At the refrain, the vocals, perhaps, would have benefitted from stronger modulation, but this was but a minor detail. It certainly didn’t lessen any of the enjoyment, as the audience signalled their approval and sang away.
One thing that emerged from this gig is that there is a hunger for bands that deliver a sound that is not highly popular within Malta’s music subculture.
This year has seen a number of bands breaking ranks and focusing on styles that are a game-changer on the scene. This is also true, albeit in a different manner, of Lucy’s Last. With the more popular indie bands focusing on post-punk, it is nice to see that there are others choosing to explore a different sound.
In short, a great gig from Lucy’s Last, also thanks to the smooth sound by Emerson Vella of Wombat Audio.
The same event also included 5 Years From Now’s final gig, but unfortunately I was not present for that.