The Horseshoe Tavern has seen some of the greatest bands of our time grace its stage. It has also been the starting point for many bands who played there early in their careers. Lucero could be one of these stories, if their MySpace page is any indication.

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Lucero takes their southern roots seriously and aren't afraid to show it.

Lucero's MySpace page with 6 songs.

The Mountain is a guitar-driven, laid back tune. It's just the right combination of country and rock. The lyrical portion of the song is sparse, but effective. It never feels like it is too little but highlights the instrumental talents of the band.

What Else Would You Have Me Be is a bit of a heartbreaker. It's a mellow song with melancholy lyrics about love lost. A little country music stereotype comes out when singer Ben Nichols laments about buying "cigarettes and whiskey drinks". But the overall feel of the song is beautiful and sad.

The War is an acoustic number where the roughness of Ben Nichols voice is the main feature. It's raw and it's honest. The song is an emotional piece of simplicity.

A basic guitar and drum riff starts off Sweet Little Thing and the song slowly builds in intensity. As more instruments and vocals layer the song, it all leads to a strong chorus. Even as the song progresses, the original riff is never lost. Although the song has more happening than some of the others, it still maintains a simplicity that is part of the formula that Lucero stands by.

The Best Girl is pure country, and it's brilliant. A whining slide guitar only emphasizes the sad feel of the song, even though it's actually a touching love song. It's a daring combination of happy and sad.

Diamond State Heartbreak keeps a basic vocal melody moving with a tricky, catchy guitar riff. It's a song that will make you move in a slow sway and will maybe make your eyes mist over just a touch.

Lucero is some southern comfort that will soften even the hardest soul.

Lucero
w/Yesterdays Ring & guests
@ The Horseshoe Tavern (368 Queen Street West)
416.598.4753
Saturday, April 19, 2008
$12.50 advance/$15.00 at the door

Photo by Sam Holden