Hallelujah Nights (Arista Nashville, 2018)
LANCO
Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh
LANCO's "Greatest Love Story" is a radio single saturated in undeniable warmth and sweetness. But then, the attitude in "We Do" reeks of Florida Georgia Line and the chorus to "Singin' at The Stars" also brings country music's most annoying duo to mind. LANCO is a new act, and the jury's still on just which direction this five-piece will go. Will this group follow Midland as another truly legitimate country music collective, or could they follow the money-strewn - but artistically vapid - road FGL travels?
Added to the album's mixed signals is "Trouble Maker," which is a mostly acoustic number colored with slide guitar. It's a funny little song about a troublemaking girl, who is nevertheless worth all the trouble. It creates the sort of irresistible fun we hope to get more of from LANCO in the future. Elsewhere, "Middle of the Night," with its banjo and harmonica accoutrements, leave a zesty, natural aftertaste. The album closes with the enjoyably anthemic title cut.
There is much to like about "Hallelujah Nights," along with a few reasons for concern. For now, "Hallelujah Nights" provides enough reasons for hope to recommend it.
CDs by LANCO
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