Apollo Bay’s finest export, The Vasco Era have finally revealed their much anticipated second LP Lucille to the world. Recorded over an intensive three week period, the younger sibling of the behemoth debut that was Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside is a slower, more cautious effort, but still retains that gritty sound associated with The ‘Era. Hopefully you fancy (or can at least tolerate) the name Lucille, as you’re bound to hear it on every track on the album. Seriously, every track.

Early taster For No One is rollicking, anthemic all out rock, which would easily slot onto the first album. Ted O’Neil’s bass is as masterful as it was on When We Lost Faith…, and his brother Sid’s signature sand-paper yelps are perfect. The harmonized chorus adds another layer to what is usually stripped back to a two-brothers-plus-one affair. This song sets very high standards for the reliable showmen, and opener Not Stuck Here delivers on this promise. A gradual building of volume and complexity sets the scene for Sid to howl toward a haunting, very Killers-like final third.

Third track Lucille, obviously keeping with the overall theme, is every bit Rivers Cuomo, complete with the power chords and token piano tinkles. It is only at the ending that we revisit When It First Showed Up, with the raw acoustics threatening to transform into a Happiness Is A Warm Gun tribute. Oh Sam models itself on the Stones’ Beast of Burden, which is a similarity the song cannot ever seem to shake, and Sid’s vocals only truly shine during the crescendo chorus and power-pop finish.

Casino is a frenzied ballad with beautifully rendered lyrics, smacking with echos of Pavement. This track is a drastic contrast to the following Rest My Head, a tender, bluesy adage to city life. Skip to 2:32 and you’ll hear that Pinkerton Cuomo again, except with a dirtier, less contrived lyrical foundation.

Be There Tonight and Never Longed For Nothing are a bit on the pedestrian, snore side, which is a bit of a disappointment, but is understandable before we swap to the second to last track, I Am The Chosen Vessel. Welcomed/startled by Sid’s ferocious a capella wails, the song is a brilliant foray into danceable barnhouse music, and is blessed with an absolutely fantastic title.

Capping the LP off with the drowsy Already Won is a wise choice, as it allows Sid’s vocal range to shine, predominantly over Michael Fitzgerald’s relaxed drums. Throw in a couple of typical O’Neil guitar solos and you’ve just been initiated to the full gamut of what The Vasco Era have to offer.