Just before SXSW, I was impatiently waiting for Austin’s own Walker Lukens (and his noteworthy band, The Side Arms) to release “Lifted,” a new single that’s been teased across social media for months.
Whoever warned, “Be careful what you wish for,” must have been deaf. It’s difficult to string words around the sweetness and satisfaction that comes from realizing a new song is all that you wanted. “Lifted” is just as twisty and addicting as I’d hoped.
The introduction to this gem began as an iPhone voice memo, and now serves as the foundation of the track. Producer Jim Eno (from Spoon, ya’ll) also had his talented hands in this noise.
I’ll stand by my first impression that this song straddles the line of eerie and inviting. The groans and effects remind me of an approaching train or impending storm. There’s also a bit with this snake-charmer refrain (0:54 mark)-- welcoming, but you’re right to worry about what’s in the shadows.
It’s Luken’s instantly recognizable vocals that pull “Lifted” into the light. The lyrics are hostile, sure, but the tinny effect on his vocals makes it less so. It makes you hit repeat once, twice, again and again. (We’d tell you we’re not keeping count, but we totally are.)
Lukens is on tour right now through May 1, winning hearts in New York, Georgia, and even Kentucky. His album Tell It To The Judge is due out this year.
What do I need now? Oh, just the music video. You must know, we’re never satisfied for long.
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