Lucigenic - Joy

Manchester supergroup Lucigenic returned recently with their latest single ‘Joy’. It was recorded at Far Heath Studio with Mike Bennett (Fat White Family, The Fall, Ian Brown) producing and Angus Wallace engineering.

Artwork Photo credit : Olivia McCaffrey/Rachael Flaszczak / Dylan (Fried Banana)

In 2021, they released the ’Hope’ and ‘Still Breathing’, reacquainting themselves with many of rock music’s classic moments from the 70s and 80s. A method that takes some courage with so many ready to sneer in the modern world. On ‘Joy’, they double down on this methodology. Does it pay off?

Lucy Davies taps into her Stevie Knicks and Patti Smith power at times but, it’s the little punky Siouxee or Ari flourishes and the Louise Wener whispering refrain that truly captivate. Mark Refoy’s guitars range from the shimmer Marr to the ecstatic Mick Ronson to the pop splendour of Bolan. Meanwhile, drummer Dave Barbarossa has that Mick Fleetwood or Terry "Bandsman" Howarth appeal which, no matter the vocals or solos in play, just make you want to air drum like a child.

It should come as no surprise this trio has this ability. However, it’s the childlike spirit that makes it great. This is the sound of friends laying their teenage record collections bare. From the Banshees to Fleetwood Mac all the way up to the Rob Collins inspired keys, Lucigenic have reimagined their past to produce a melodic rumble that few can match today.

*Banner image courtesy of Sonic PR and Trust A Fox

Lucigenic – Still Breathing

Manchester supergroup Lucigenic are back with their second single ‘Still Breathing’. Produced by legendary producer Mike Bennett (The Fall / Fat White Family / Ian Brown), ‘Still Breathing’ was engineered at Farheath Studios with Angus Wallace and features dual drumming from Dave Barbarossa (Bow Wow Wow, Republica) and Simon Wolstencroft (The Fall/Ian Brown). 

Back in February, lockdown was taking a stranglehold on the nation’s soul. Lucigenic put the powerfully ethereal single ‘Hope’. A stunning release of tension via singer Lucy Wyatt’s Mark Greaveny-esque vocals.

This time out, the pedal has hit the metal! Aggressive ‘Raw Power’ guitars are met by Wyatt’s colossal Patti Smith vocals. Reinventing the wheel is not on the menu. but is a firm reminder that the wheel can be a force more than cheap fame.

Their exasperation at social media “heroes” is never embittered, nor do they ever yearn for yesteryear like the hapless hacks of GB News. Moreover, ‘Rocks’, Cigarettes and Alcohol’ and ‘21st Century Boy’ are beefed up and renewed for a new breed of defiance and grafting cultural icon.

Wave upon wave of guitar licks thrust themselves at you like gunfire. It’s an onslaught like no other. Then, when all is lost, comes the ecstatic backing vocals to usher in Mark Refoy’s (Spiritualized/Spacemen 3) scintillating solo. With the spirit of ‘Easy Rider’ and the face-melting genius of Death Valley Girls in his heart, he has summoned the devil for a night out on the town!

This is an astonishing change of direction from ‘Hope’. One can only imagine where this supergroup is going next. What ‘Still Breathing’ proves is, it’s a must-listen destination.

Lucigenic – Hope

Manchester supergroup Lucigenic are set to release their new single ‘Hope’ on the 19th of February. Recorded at Far Heath Studios with producer Mike Bennett (The Fall & Ian Brown) and engineer Angus Wallace (The Fall) it is taken from their debut EP (EP 1).

The band are made up of Lucy and Gary Wyatt, Simon Wolstencroft (The Fall/Ian Brown), Dave Barbarossa (Adam and the Ants/Bow Wow Wow/Republica), Mark Refoy (Spiritualised/Spacemen 3), Steve Etherington (Rubettes/Sisters of Mercy), Mark Woolfenden and Chris Toole.

Wyatt’s vocals are a joy to behold from start to finish. At points, there are flourishes of Bowie and Patti Smith. Then, when she really lets go, both her and the sonic combine to recreate the magic of JJ72’s ‘October Swimmer’.

Feather-light production and delicate guitars shimmer across shoreline like paradise coming into view and, who can say they don’t need that right now. When they deploy an injection of tempo, a warmth will rush up the neck as ripples of joy keep on coming.

Despite the supergroup status, there are no egos at play here. There’s a recognition that Wyatt’s vocals are iconic and all has been done to make them soar. It’s an effortless piece of music and, one that eases the misery and must be savoured.

 *Video/Photography by Jim Solan at ‘Wolf Films’