L.A.’s garage-tronic duo LUC recently dropped their Glow EP on Number Vun Records.
Made up of Kari Kimmel and Joe Corcoran, LUC blends snarling guitars, unusual sound effects, potent percussion, and cool vocals. Kimmel and Corcoran, collectively have more than 90 million streams, as well as film, television, and album placements.
Kimmel has sung on three platinum and five gold soundtracks, with her songs recorded by The Backstreet Boys, Ke$ha, Joe Jonas, and Demi Lovato. She sang with Ringo Starr at the 2104 Grammys, along with backing up Stevie Wonder, The Boss, Alicia Keys, and John Mayer.
Corcoran’s skills as an engineer, mixer, and musician earned two platinum records, and a number one international hit with Lenka’s “The Show.”
Encompassing six tracks, the EP opens with the title track, a futuristic electro-pop number rife with vibrating synths, a tough groove, and Kimmel’s sensuous vocals. “Over It” starts off with dirty guitar riffs, a pulsating pop feel enhanced by Kimmel’s buoyant tones. Poppy harmonies add to the song’s ebullient ambience, as do the brisk “na-na-na” atmospheric lyrics.
“Extraverdant” begins with low-slung guitars and surfacing synths flowing into a shimmering, radiant new wave electro-pop tune. The lingering suffusion of the synths infuse the music with gossamer textures sparkling with actinic colors. Undulating harmonics give the tune a soft, dreamy sensibility, like drifting with the clouds through a blue sky.
“Ghost ” features syncopated percussion with an industrial-lite flavor, trembling with momentum and tension. Kimmel demonstrates her vocal range on this song, hitting delicious coruscating high notes. “Running Down The Halls” rides oscillating synths and a tight, compact groove. Rippling colors swirl with bright energy, as Kimmel’s velvety voice takes on a sweet, charming piquancy. “Lost In Love” is my favorite track on the EP because of its gently swelling flow, tantalizing and wistful, full of elusive, creamy textured surfaces.
With Glow, LUC strut their talent for heady, futuristic garage-electro-pop full of captivating muscular elegance.
