Following up their 2021 self-titled album, The Lucid are back with their 5 song EP, Saddle Up and Ride and within the 5 songs, the band manages to cross all genres of music from country to rap to rock.
Kicking off the EP, is the country blues feel tune, “Deep Country”. If you follow vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, this feels in alignment with his Diamond Buck alter ego. The vocals are twangy, the music is old school country, and I’m sure Hank Williams Sr would approve of this song.
Don’t let the soft sway of “Deep Country” lull you into a false sense of quiet security.
“Saddle Up and Ride” featuring Violent J from Insane Clown Posse is a sonic assault on the ears. I previously wrote that the song showcases the talent of drummer Mike Heller as he slays beat after beat. I still stand by this statement. His beats lay down the foundation for the heavy chug of the guitar and bass. Dombroski lets Violent J take the lead and he’s mainly heard in the chorus while guitarist Drew Fortier steps in about mid-song with a wailing guitar solo that is a much needed breathing moment for the listener.
I also still stand by the statement that bassist Dave Ellefson’s playing on the song “Mumps” is great. He’s not known for bass slapping and in this song he is so fun and funky and it seems as if he’s having fun playing for the first time in his career. Unlike the title track, Domboski’s vocals are up front where they should be and this time, it’s Fortier who has pulled back, quietly playing without an epic guitar solo.
As soon as “Risk Machine” kicks off, I feel like I’m back in the 90’s of sludge and grunge. The song is soaked with heaviness. The drums are heavy, the guitar is heavy, the bass is heavy, and Dombroski’s vocals harken back to how he sounded on Sponge’s Wax Ecstatic feel.
Rounding out the EP, “Sweet Toof” finds the band collaborating with Violent J again and adding strings from Ally Storch (Subway to Sally) for a “re-imagining” of Faith No More’s “Epic”. I put re-imaging in quotes because it’s not a cover but more a twist and a great twist at that. The four piece have taken the classic alternative riff and made it their own. Dombroski and Violent J are a one two vocal punch and Ally’s strings just elevate the riff to another level. It was a brave choice and the band just nails it, epically.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Sweet Toof”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “Sweet Toof” and “Risk Management”
Listen to Saddle Up and Ride below
