There’s a such wide span of influences that Austin-based artist Walker Lukens embraces that simply labeling him as “folk-pop” wouldn’t be an adequate description. “Singer-songwriter” also barely scratches the surface. It’s just not enough.
Give a listen to Lukens’ 2013 album Devoted, and you’ll hear how he effortlessly flows from a heart wrenching, melancholy croon at one moment to a soulful, beat-driven R&B rock-out in the next. So much ground is covered so impressively, and it’s all Lukens – the myriad of albums he’s been inspired by, and the decision to pursue a full-time musical career that he’s devoted to. (Hence, the album’s appropriate title.)
You can see Walker Lukens and his band The Side Arms tonight at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the bill features sets by Florence, AL band Belle Adair, dark electro-popsters Borrisokane and alt.-country/power pop artist Collin Herring. All good. So recommended.
– Photo by Lobo Sucio Creative.