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Lucid 3: Dawn Planes

So they are eight years into their career, and while that is impressive, what I like most about Lucid 3's latest album is that signing directly with a major label (EMI NZ) has not seen the band dilute its sound at all. In fact, there are moments during 'Dawn Planes' when Lucid 3 appears to be rocking out harder than they ever did on their 2002 album 'Running Down The Keys' or the refined 'All Moments Leading To This' (2004). Produced by David Long, I reckon this is their best, with the most accessible set of songs to date. Victoria Girling-Butcher's strong voice and keyboard playing continues to mesh well with Derek Metivier's very musical approach to drumming, while Marcus Lawson's guitar, bass and keyboard work provides the melodic glue. If anything, I'm impressed by the fact that Lucid 3 have now grown into their own sound, rather than seeming purely like a vehicle for Girling-Butcher's voice and songs. They are Fur Patrol without the stop/start success; they are The Feelers without the cringe factor; they can appeal to fans of the Anika Moa/Brooke Fraser sound, but there's no flakiness. The band has carved a unique path in New Zealand music. And good on them.

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