Loic J Tuckey’s debut album, Beyond The Sun Road, is a captivating and immersive sonic journey that transports listeners to the heart of the American West. With a sound that effortlessly blends Americana, alternative rock, blues, folk, and ambient lounge jazz, Tuckey has crafted an album that is as diverse as the landscapes it evokes.
From the opening track, Beyond The Sun Road, sets the tone for a journey that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The album’s 12 tracks are infused with a rich tapestry of influences, ranging from mid-20th century rock and R&B to surf, swampy blues, and psychedelia. Each song serves as a snapshot of the American road trip experience, capturing the essence of wide-open highways, neon-lit diners, and the fleeting moments that linger long after the journey ends.
Tuckey’s songwriting process, which involved penning lyrics on diner napkins and recording melodies in motel rooms, gives the album an authentic, almost documentary-like feel. This organic approach shines through in the music, with each track feeling like a chapter in a larger narrative. The titular track, “Beyond The Sun Road,” epitomises this journey with its persistent driving drums and gritty guitar lines, symbolising the endless road ahead. The lyrics are rich with imagery, drawing from Tuckey’s own experiences to create a vivid, almost cinematic soundscape.
One of the standout elements of Beyond The Sun Road is Tuckey’s guitar work. His customised Mexican Fender Telecaster sings with a twangy, expressive tone that adds depth and character to each track. Whether channelling the haunting echoes of the blues or the sun-soaked vibes of surf rock, Tuckey’s guitar serves as the album’s emotional anchor. His vocals, too, are a highlight—versatile and evocative, with a range that moves from clean and gentle to gritty and gruff, reminiscent of traditional blues with a modern edge.
The album’s production is polished yet retains a raw, intimate feel. Recorded at Sheffield’s Hatch studio with the collaboration of local musicians like Jim Ghedi and Zebedee Budworth, the album’s sound is both expansive and cohesive. The final mastering at Candyland Studios in Kentucky by Mike Montgomery ensures that the diverse influences are seamlessly woven together, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
In addition to his musical prowess, Tuckey has also ventured into the world of literature, penning his debut novella, Cowboy Butchers. This work, inspired by classic Italian westerns and the Lincolnshire banger, adds another layer to Tuckey’s artistic output, showcasing his ability to merge cultural and artistic influences into a cohesive narrative. This cross-disciplinary approach informs his music, making Beyond The Sun Road not just an album, but a multidimensional artistic statement.
Overall, Beyond The Sun Road is a stunning debut that firmly establishes Loic J Tuckey as a unique and innovative voice in the music world. The album’s blend of Americana, blues, and alternative soundscapes creates a listening experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. For fans of road trip music, or anyone looking to explore the spirit of the American West through sound, Beyond The Sun Road is an album that demands to be heard.
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