Lanco is comprised of lead singer Brandon Lancaster, bassist Chandler Baldwin, multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, drummer Tripp Howell, and lead guitarist Eric Steedly. After they crossed paths in Nashville during their early 20s, they quickly bonded over their shared small town upbringings and moved in together under one roof where they were able to truly gel as a band melding together their unique sound as they strived to pursue their musical dreams. All 11 tracks on “Hallelujah Nights” were co-written by lead singer and the band’s namesake, Brandon Lancaster. The album was produced by Jay Joyce who did a great job maintaining their signature sound that is best described as twangy rock. A sound that has been applauded by both music critics and fans alike.
From the first bass note within the driving drum beat you can tell something is different about the new record from Nikki Lane. The backbeat feels like a gutsy strut while the lead guitar feels like a revved up engine shifting gears. Denim & Diamonds comes out firing, spit shining the cowboy boots and tossing on a jean jacket. Produced by Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Denim & Diamonds has the Highway Queen embracing a more rock-oriented sound while still maintaining the heartfelt outlaw country sound she has developed across her previous three releases. Denim & Diamonds still has the fuck-off flare of which Nikki has come to be known. Her stylized, story-telling lyrics are all there as well as her catchy country hooks. The outlaw country sound is now balanced out with a gritty guitar and a machine gun snare that echoes the sound of 70’s rock. Nikki Lane has made a record that sounds new and old. Familiar and surprising. She embraces where she has come from, (“First High”, “Born Tough”) the lessons learned along the way, (“Good Enough”, “Try Harder”) all while doing things her way, (“Denim & Diamonds”, “Black Widow”).