Mark Lucas has been a prolific songwriter in the alt-country realm for a number of decades now, as leader of the Dead Setters, member of 90s group The Parwills and as a solo artist. His latest release with band The Dead Setters finds the group loosening their shoulders and opening up into a more eclectic Americana sound. The country-rock roots still remain but now they are enhanced with soulful touches (It’s Not Me That’s Blue, Slip Of The Tongue), rousing rock ’n’ roll (Something Wicked), languid atmospheric wanderings (Saturday Night Special) and an inherent Australian sun-kissed warmth to yet another strong release from Lucas and band.

Chris Familton