#407 : Lucas Haneman Express - Catch the Westbound

2019 – Lucas Haneman Express

By Phillip Smith; September 6, 2019

After reviewing the Lucas Haneman Express’ 2016 album, Tearing Up the Rails, I knew there was something special about this group.  Their follow-up album, Catch the Westbound definitely reassures me, there is indeed an air of magic about them.  Nominated for a 2018 Maple Blues Award, the band expertly delivers a variety of original roots/rock-based songs built on enchanting melodies and finely crafted lyrics.  Haneman takes the helm on guitar and vocals, with Jeff Asselin on drums, Megan Laurence on vocals, and Martin Newman on bass.   

With Lucas on lead vocals, “Lay it to the Line” wonderfully starts the album with a driving western-flavored jam.  The song seductively draws right in, as I sink into its twangy goodness.  “Cold Cold Front” is ominous, catchy as hell, and hard to shake.  Haneman sings this one with a suave finesse.  The swampy blues of “Ms. McGrim” is right up my alley.  I love the slide guitar and Megan’s accompanying vocals.  My favorite tune on the album, “Devil’s in my Grave” is riveting and rides atop a driving rhythm.  They splendidly bring the record to a close with a sweet, heady, Zeppelin-esque ballad, “To Be Brave”.  When Asselin kicks it in on drums, I get a big smile on my face.  This is such a cool song. 

One more time, Lucas Haneman Express has brought their ‘A’ game to the table and delivered a wonderful recording.   I very much enjoyed listening to this one.

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For more information about the artist, visit this website.. www.lhexpress.ca  


The Phillycheeze review for Lucas Haneman Express – Tearing Up the Rails :
https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2017/03/lucas-haneman-express-tearing-up-rails.html

Lucas Haneman Express - Tearing Up the Rails

2016 – Lucas Haneman Express  

By Phillip Smith; Mar. 04, 2017

Tearing up the Rails, the sophomore release from Ottawa, Ontario-based Lucas Haneman Express is a savory fourteen track platter of blues-rock with a slightly southern flavor.  Heading up the band is singer/songwriter/guitarist Lucas Haneman, who received the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award at the 2005 Ottawa International Jazz Festival.  Accompanying Haneman to round out the quartet is vocalist Megan Laurence, drummer Jeff Asselin, and bassist Martin Newman. 

Steve Marriner from MonkeyJunk, lends his harmonica prowess to “The Verdict”.  This track oozes with swampy bluesy goodness as Marriner and Haneman go toe to toe. Marriner also appears, harp in hand on Brian Adam’s “Run to You”, another terrific track. It sounds so different recorded as a blues song.  There’s no rest for the wicked, when the band breaks into Steppenwolf’s psychedelic hit “Magic Carpet Ride”.  Leaving a smoking trail of rubber on the track, they take this one on going full throttle.   Haneman’s searing hot guitar makes for a standout performance.  I love the relaxed Steely Dan vibe Haneman brings to “Waiting at Your Door” with his smooth jazz approach. “Storybook Love” is plumb mighty too, boasting soulful vocals from Haneman, who guides the song from a slow southern sway into a ferocious intensity. 

Tearing up the Rails is a well-crafted album of poignant lyrics, rich melodies and tight performances.  It’s a great album to sink ones teeth into.  It has definitely sunk its teeth into me.