My last solo EP, all songs written by me, sang by me and played by me. Hope you like them.

Review from my EP "Sally And The Gun Show" by Mark Worton at EXNE

"Hello again readers of EXNE magazine, thanks again to all the guys at EXNE magazine for asking me to review another collection of songs from a young local musician. Sally and The Gun Show is a collection of 6 original tracks – a young lad playing his guitar and laying out his thoughts and feelings for all to hear. Firstly, I must say I have the upmost respect for anyone who has the courage to lay down their own musical style and put it out there for people like me. It’s something I’ve never had the bottle to do myself and I applaud Lucas and those like him for taking the plunge.

Right then, on to the music.

Set in Stone. Lyrically and musically, this is a great song: catchy in the right way, it grabs the attention of the listener. It’s original and unique – beautiful and a little haunting at times. There is some wonderful guitar work within a dark and rhythmical track that is hard to pigeon hole. Lucas is flying solo on the EP and straight away I am wondering what Lucas could accomplish with the backing of a band, all under his direction of course. A base line and drum beat would compliment his style off nicely. That said – this is an accomplished and original start to an excellent EP. I’m keen to find out what’s coming next…

‘He wanted the life style, has done for a long while.’ A song devoted to the dark side of drug and alcohol abuse. 22 Years and a Day tells the story of a young man who ‘lost his life to the dealer’s hands.’ It’s thought provoking and meaningful. It is also carried by a wonderfully honest vocal track and more beautiful acoustic guitar work. It’s a poem for modern times, an ode to the modern world, a wonderfully written and constructed track. Love it.

Lucas continues his story telling with Just Another Average Lad – the story of the type of guy that we all knew growing up. ‘Lives his life off the things he stole’. Lucas has the confidence and ability to tell a complex story from his own perspective whilst getting the listener to engage with the story’s central character – a rapscallion of the highest order! The type of lad we’ve all known, loved and despised at some point in our lives. It’s another poetic and beautiful piece of music charting the life of our (anti)hero.

I can’t help being reminded of Daniel Johnston by Find My Route. It is simple, beautiful and honest – it’s right up my street. It showcases Lucas Freeman’s variety and adaptability. It’s a song I simply couldn’t get out of my head. The singing on this track really comes in its own. In fact, the song is playing perfectly to Lucas’s strengths as a musician and lyricist. I like it when I can relate to a song, and I can definitely relate to this – “who cares what you think, I’ll find my own way.”

Sat With Strangers In Park is another showcase of Lucas’ lyrical talents (lovely guitar backing and great sniff / whistle at the end by the way!) whilst Put Your Hands Over My Eyes resonates with simplicity – a great message, simple guitar backing and Lucas’ unique vocal styling create another great track. The recording had a lovely warm feel to it … a homemade “apple pie” with a crust that hangs over the edge of the baking tray. It might look a bit scruffy … but you know that it’s gonna be warm, satisfying and pretty fucking nice to eat – probably with a nice bit of spice added to just it make it more original.

Overall Lucas presents us with a simple, beautifully crafted EP – he sings from the heart with a unique voice and mixes simplicity with soul to create an engaging and at times challenging collection of songs. This is someone with an opinion, with a heart and with a shit load of talent to go with it. What a bastard! If you get the chance to check this out please do so. You won’t be disappointed."

Set In Stone

Lucas Paul Freeman