Turn Up - The Lux Ducks

TURN UP

THE LUX DUCKS

Date of release: May 2024

Record Label: Nash Berry Records

Reviewed, 15 November 2024

As all serious researchers know, the rockabilly virus first appeared about 70 years ago in the furnace-hot valleys of Tennessee, Texas and other southern states. Since then, the virus has kept spreading around the world. While it is highly resistant over time, it also seems resistant to the coldest temperatures, as several cases of contaminations have just been identified in Siberia, where temperatures can reach -30° in winter. Like avian flu, this virus can infect cool chicks all over the world, and there is now evidence that it also attacks the ducks.

The Lux Ducks are a Rockabilly band out of Novosibirsk, Russia. These 4 guys probably realized that, aside vodka, stompin’ rhythm was another good way to keep warm.

Willie Nash is the lead singer and guitarist, Biggy Go is on Slap bass and backing vocals, Den Delay on rhythm guitar and backing vocals and Rommy Pepsi is on Drums. These guys already have one album and some singles out and ‘Turn Up’ is their latest release. All the tracks are their own compositions.

Track Review

Record starts with ‘Turn Up’, a bopper with cool guitar break and slappin’ bass ending the song.

Rockin Blues’ is not exactly what you may expect from the title. Instead of a rockin’ blues it’s rather a hillbilly bopper spiced up with a good bass and drum breaks. Should get a lot of feet stompin’, especially by -30°.

‘Diana’ sounds more like a stroller, but the sound seems a little too thin to fill the dance floor. I could have done with a bigger sound on this one, even maybe a sax. Interesting guitar break though.

With ‘Rock Me’ we are back to pure rockabilly bopper, this one could certainly generate some action in the ballroom.

‘Likes and Shares’ is a nice ballad, reminiscent of Buddy Holly.

‘Ready Daddy’ is another bopper, maybe a little too repetitive, but Willie’s guitar manage to keep it exciting enough.

With ‘Singer Baby’ we have another cool rockin’ finger snappin’ ballad (take off your gloves for this).

From the first bar of ‘Make a Bop’ it’s clear that the Ducks had the Burnette brothers on their mind. Good attempt but the guitar should have been a little more prominent to reproduce the excitement of the Rock’n’Roll trio, vocals could have been more frantic as well.

“Little Roadster” take us back to hillbilly bop mould. The track is enhanced by the percussions and Willie even includes a little yodel. The result is appealing and refreshing (well… is this really needed by -30°?)

‘Flying Saucer’ is not the strongest song on the set. Lyrics and vocals are little weak but the guitar break remains enjoyable. A Sputnik song could have been a better choice?

‘Teen Tales’ is also a little repetitive. The guitar break has a little Cliff Gallup feel to it, but not fully convincing…

‘Juvenile Jungle’ brings more excitement, with a bigger slap bass sound and interesting guitar breaks.

The record finishes with the groovy ‘Saturday Night’, a swingin’ little tune that makes you feel like ordering the last drink.

Summary

It's clear that these guys got the virus and they're making an effort to create their own tracks. The record suffers from some weaknesses though: sound lacks a little power, some vocals and songs are a little weak, some guitar breaks and lyrics are a bit too repetitive. The album could probably have generated more excitement with a more powerful sound.

But if they can continue in this vein, and bring a little more excitement to the tracks, these guys will surely melt the ice. If you travel in Siberia and want to keep warm, try to catch one of their gig!

Track list :

Turn Up

Rockin Blues

Diana

Rock Me

Likes and Shares

Ready Daddy

Singer Baby

Make a Bop

Little Roadster

Flying Saucer

Teen Tales