THE LUKA STATE – LIVE @ THE MERCURY LOUNGE -

Local Scene

2022-10-25

THE LUKA STATE – LIVE @ THE MERCURY LOUNGE

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The UK’s The Luka State opened their US tour on Sept.12th at the famed Mercury Lounge in NYC with Micky James in support. AMP had featured The Luka State in an interview with our esteemed colleague Anne Estella this past June. I couldn’t wait to see the band as I was totally enthralled by their driving sound which encompaases indie, punk, pop and hard hitting rock and roll.

Starting the night out was the dynamic Micky James hailing from New Jersey. I had never seen him before but I was immediately drawn in by his killer personality and memorable songs. His onstage demeanor reminded me of Luke Spiller of The Struts or Barns Courtney. He opened his set with the exuberant “Not Okay” which set the tone for the evening. The song has spunk and a snappy beat. Tunes like “Tie Me Up” and “Kings” filled the room with boisterous energy. James held the crowd with his infectious charm. He will be an artist to watch. I predict big things in his future.

The Mercury Lounge was The Luka State’s first stop of their inaugural US tour. The audience’s anticipation was intense. The band had built up quite a reputation of delivering fiery live performances. The Luka State did not disappoint. Right from the first note of “Feel It’, the band was full of explosive vitality. Lead singer and guitarist Conrad Ellis was on point. His vocals soared and his persona was slick and cool. Bassist Sam Bell was ferocious while Lewis Pusey on guitar threw out sonic fireballs. Drummer Jake Barnabas percussions were crushing. The song hit on all cylinders.

Throughout the set, The Luka State treated their fans to song after song of aural ruthlessness. “[Insert Girl’s Name Here]’ followed and the Mercury Lounge was feeling it. The band was dealing out fierce palettes of dynamite. Their music is fast, furious and hammering while still keeping a melodic undercurrent. “Fake News” and the monstrous “Stick Around” came next. You could see that the band was getting stronger with each song. They were determined to make their first show in America a memorable one.

Every song that followed was a real delight. “Bring It Down” kicked ass. Ellis’ charisma was forceful with cinematic textures. The band was glowing. Every note was a musical thrill. Other highlights of the night included “Room’s On Fire”, “More Than This” and a pulverizing “Oxygen Thief”. The band ended with a spectacular version of “Bury Me”. The Luka State laid themselves bare They were exuding pure gasoline. Ellis and Bell were crazed. Pusey’s guitar distributed volumes of stellar guitar riffs while Barnabas’ drums were barreling. Near the end of the song, Ellis threw himself into the audience and his fervor was voracious. The audience ate it up.

The evening was amazing. Micky James was brazen and fun while The Luka State are superstars in the making.

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