The latest EP from alternative singer-songwriter Walker Lukens might remind you of a certain 1977 debut from the incomparable Elvis Costello - and not just because of the nearly identical cover art. Lukens has a timeless vocal style that resembles Costello’s iconic crooning on My Aim is True, strong but emotive at the same time. The Austin indie artist has been a local hit since dropping his first album in 2013, and it’s easy to see why there’s so much excitement around Lukens’ latest release. Ain’t Got a Reason is a punchy four-track EP that proves old fashioned rock n’ roll will never go out of style.
Produced by Jim Eno of Spoon, Ain’t Got a Reason showcases the vast range of Walker Lukens’ lyrical ability. Opening track “Love Me Tender (Don’t Be Cruel)” is a gentle introduction to Lukens’ versatile vocal. It’s the kind of melody you might hear from Cold War Kids, with prominent piano and percussion complementing the blistering guitar solo in the bridge. The slow-jam style of “Love Me Tender (Don’t Be Cruel)” leads into the heavily blues-inspired “Where Is Thunder Road?” flawlessly. While the verses remain tightly packed in traditional technique, the song builds and builds into a soulful explosion of horns and dissonant guitar.
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“Simple Man” is easy-listening written with a Father John Misty-style snark. Apparently written after a blowout fight with a significant other, Lukens details a “paint-by-numbers Freudian nightmare” that manages to be both heartfelt and humorous. Rounding out the whirlwind EP is the title track, “Ain’t Got a Reason,” a literate, old-school burner with an edgy twist. Though the EP is cohesive as a whole, Walker Lukens excels at portraying four very distinct sides to himself as an artist. Each song is individually inspired by a particular era, tied together by Lukens’ smooth and effortless talent.
Ain’t Got a Reason is available now. Keep an eye out for Walker Lukens and his band, the Side Arms, this festival season!
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