Lucero

1372 Overton Park (Universal Republic)

Lucero may never outgrow Bruce Springsteen, and, in fact, for the Memphis quartet’s sixth studio effort and major label debut, it takes the Boss head on. Retaining its hard-driving grit of ornery guitars pummeling behind Ben Nichols’ serrated, whiskey-and-cigarette growl, 1372 Overton Park folds in aggressive horn arrangements that pay tribute to both the band’s hometown R&B heritage and classic E Street Band. Between the disillusioned, “Born to Run” update of opener “Smoke,” the brass swagger of “What Are You Willing to Lose,” and fervent stomp of “The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo,” Lucero infuses its ragged rage with an effusive energy while hedging Southern rock ferocity (“Sixes and Sevens,” “Johnny Davis”) with caustic ballads (“Goodbye Again,” “Darken My Door”). Nichols still pleads brilliantly for outcasts and losers, and Overton is impressively tight, polished, and raw for a decade-old band. (Sunday, 5:40pm, Orange Stage.)

***.5

This article appears in November 6 • 2009.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.