Lucy and the Rats - "Dark Clouds"

The arrival of a new Lucy and the Rats record is always a beloved event for power pop fans. The London foursome was assembled by Lucy Ellis from The Spazzys after her relocation from Melbourne a few years back. Stardumb Records and Dirty Water Records UK have teamed up to release "Dark Clouds" - the band's fourth single. You may recall that last year's single "Stick To You" was a bit of a departure for the band as guitarist Joe Tolosa temporarily assumed lead vocal duties and the group fashioned a much punkier sound. With "Dark Clouds", the band gets back to its signature pure pop sound with a couple of bittersweet melodic gems. It gives me chills to hear Lucy constantly refining her songwriting talents as she grows into a true master of the pop craft. "Dark Clouds" is her finest work to date - a sad, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful pop song that brings to mind something that would have been all over the radio in the early '80s. I love the way she weaves together a stunning, plaintive melody and a vocal that pulls at the heartstrings without a hint of affectation. That chorus is irresistible, and honestly you'd have to have a stone heart to not be moved by the words coming out of Lucy's mouth. Then there's some wicked good lead guitar work to ice the cake! On the flip, "Get Down" is another pretty, melancholy number that pairs the sweetest melodies with somewhat despairing lyrics. If you choose to really pay attention to the lyrics, there's a powerful statement to be experienced. But even if you don't, that melody will stay with you. Lucy continues to push her songwriting to greater depths, and the band absolutely has the chops to make this material soar. That guitar solo is almost at a Johnny Marr level!

"Dark Clouds" arrives in advance of a forthcoming Lucy and the Rats album titled Got Lucky. While I'm stoked for the album, I would urge you to grab the single now. Lucy and the Rats are one of those bands that really excel in the singles format where you can savor the music in these perfect little bite-sized portions. Both of these tracks are outstanding, and "Get Down" could just as easily have been the A-side. Order your copy from Stardumb Records in Europe and The Machine Shop in the U.S.A. Dirty Water has the digital release!



-L.R.

https://lucyandtherats.bandcamp.com/album/dark-clouds 
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http://www.themachineshoprocks.com/Lucy_and_the_Rats_Dark_Clouds_7_p/latr2.htm 
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