Lucid Evolution
Moments
Jam bands are a tricky thing. There has to be several compelling factors to keep it interesting, otherwise the listener can get lost in the sauce. With respect to Lucid Evolution, a jam band from Northern Virginia, those factors are the unique stylings of lead vocalist Lynne Holloman and the grooves laid down by her band mates. The band formed in 2021 and they’ve released five singles. Here’s our review of Moments.
It’s an all start with the band, and an up-tempo feel that is a bit Latin and Calypso from the rhythm section, a spacey vibe from the keys and a subtle, hidden guitarist. When the vocals drop, you know it’s going to be a different vibe than what you typically her from pop and rock music these days. Lynne Holloman’s voice has a unique tone, reminding us a bit of Grace Slick, that is perfect for the jam band vibe. After a brief first stanza, we get a solid solo - in all it distorted and wah wah glory that firmly establishes this as a jam. Following that is a mediative breakdown of a bridge with a half-tempo feel from the drums, nice change up in the bass line and more great soloing from Shaun Neal as he meanders between blues riffs and some Dorian and Lydian modes. Love the bass line on the back end of the solo as he and the drummer flirt with a bit of disco vibe behind Neal’s swirling solo. Lyrically it’s quite simple, and that’s ok - it doesn’t have to be an elaborate tale in this setting and the message comes across clear. Holloman’s vocals work quite well, and it’s definitely not what we expected for this genre.
Look past the fact that the song basically revolves around two chords and pick up on the subtleties. Notice the time signatures in the first verse compared to the back end - nice touch. Check out how the guitar solo starts, versus how it ends and the difference in the accompaniment. The rhythm section does a great job of blending styles as they tease you with some disco, some rock, and some fusion. The keyboard tones are a welcome change to the standard B3 and Leslie combo we’ve come to expect from jam bands, and they chose wisely by NOT including a piano tone - there’s no room for it. Lastly, you can’t be a good jam band without a guitar who knows when to lay back, and when to shred. Solid track - this would be fun to see live to see how it changes from the recorded version.
Be sure to scroll down to catch their socials and other tracks. Glow Like the Sun is a nice mid-tempo jam, again with some nice meter changes and a different set of tones from Shaun Neal. This one definitely has a Dead vibe to it. Feel has a great reggae vibe to it, nice spacious mix and a great bass solo. Love how they break it down after the guitar solo. Again, solid jam band feels. This is definitely a band we’d like to see live!
Song credits: Recording - Rusty Scott at @thewardrva. Mix - Keith Armstrong @properkeith. Mastering - Justin Shturtz @shturtz. Jake Lawrence on Bass @jakestagram.rva. Brian Holloman on Drums @hollomanbrian. Shaun Neal on guitar @muddgoose13. Lynne Holloman on keys, vocals @lynneholloman_music
Check it out now!