This gig was the launch of the band's second Texas recorded album Someone's Son. The band, bolstered by drummer Binzer Brennan, were in fine form considering this was their first full band show in a long time. They were amiably led by singer/songwriter Eamonn O'Connor with his lieutenant, guitarist Peter O'Grady, providing the firepower and vocal harmonies. The band was ably rounded out by keyboard player Conor Miley and bassist Leon Kennedy. The latter also appeared with interesting support band The Edisons.
The band opened with She Don't Know, Baby Please Don't Pull Me Down and Forever With Wings from the new album. All demonstrated what a fine set of the songs they have produced for both albums. The debut album was not neglected in the set with Frank Sinatra, the title track Together We are All Alone and a fiery build up on Commercial Presentation, which closed the show. The band know have a sound that is robust and memorable and had some reminded of mid-period Fleetwood Mac as well as touches of melodic roots rock. The most 'country' sounding song in the set was the title of the first album which feature Miley on banjo to good effect. The current single Who's Gonna Follow Me Down was a highlight too towards the end of the set.
O'Connor switched between acoustic and Fender Telecaster and for one song played a solo Passion Played with the electric guitar which show both his strength as a singer and rhythm guitarist. The band, as mentioned, gelled and all worked hard to give the songs a good first outing and one hopes that from here on they will have a lot of gigs to further develop their live sound.
Born To The Holy Land was early song written around the time of the Iraq invasion and included on the current album. It shows that O'Connor is aware as much of political attitude as he is of the more inter-personal politics that form the basis of many of the songs. The fifteen song set was applauded by the appreciative audience and the calls for "one more song" had to go unanswered due to the venue's curfew, however all involved left in good spirits.
Lucky Bones, like any new, upcoming, band have their work cut out to get there music across but with such a strong album and a live performance to back it up they're heading in the right direction. You should make the effort to follow them down if they play near you.
Review and photograph by Stephen Rapid