Triple Dog Dare

Lucy Dacus in Oslo - 12.06.2025

Babes, we’re so back 🥹

Hope you’re ready and tuned in for frequent image drops from me (Ashley)

BTS of Lucy and Katie on the AP shoot

Some BTS from the Them shoot in February

Lucy in the Desert Gardens | The Huntington

BY JORDAN MAINZER

One of the most repeatedly playable debut albums of the year has come from Richmond, Virginia’s Lucy Dacus, a woman with a penchant for writing catchy melodies and basic, but sharp lyrics that stick with you. Upon listening to her debut No Burden, you’re struck by the hard edge and unorthodox length of songs like “Troublemaker Doppleganger” and “Map On A Wall”, respectively, whose knack for surprising you is greater than average for a singer-songwriter record. Yet, Dacus’s ability to tread common territory in imaginative ways with her words makes her standout lyrically among other singer-songwriters. Live, she’s even better, as I witnessed last month at the Beat Kitchen. Her strong voice and finger-picked guitar playing are bolstered by her excellent band, which features four guitars at once.

The whole affair had an intimate feel to it. During the penultimate song of the night, “Direct Address”, Dacus sang, “I don’t believe in love at first sight / Maybe I would if you looked at me right,” a line that resonates when sang to a crowd looking back at the singer. Unsure of what to make of Dacus’s accusation, you had no choice but to agree. What made the night intimate and had nothing to do with the music was the fact that Dacus’ mother flew in and surprised her at the show, which was 2/3 empty and took place on Easter Sunday. It was almost as if you were at a family gathering. After the stunning “Trust”, whch Dacus sang almost a capella, her microphone had sound issues on “Troublemaker Doppleganger”. But when her voice finally kicked in, everybody in the room–all rooting for her–sat back and lauded the talent before them.

 The first time I saw Lucy Dacus was last summer at Lost Lake.  She was touring in support of her “No Burden” album. I was in love with her song “I don’t want to be funny anymore”.  Still love this song!  

 This time around, Lucy Dacus and her band are touring for their 2nd album, “Historian”.  Both “No Burden” and ‘Historian" are put out by Matador.  It was a sold out show, so I made sure to get there early enough to snag a spot up front.  I like to stand up front because I’m 5'2", and I needed to shoot some photos.

 And The Kids 

The first opener was the charmer Adult Mom, from New York.  Their quirky pop songs are reminiscent of  K Records bands.  The singer asked if there could be more bass, and the sound person obliged.  For the rest of that set, the bass drowned out the vocals, which was a dang shame.  Second opener was And The Kids, from Massachusetts.  Intriguing and interesting guitar work by Hannah Mohan.  I’d call the music No Wave, New Math, with a sense of humor.  

Lucy Dacus seems so comfortable on stage, wielding her Gretsch and singing in,what seems like, an effortless way.   Her easygoing, down to earth manner and smile made me feel all right.  She was dressed in black and grey and white, kind of formally, like an attorney. Kind of somber, with Doc Martens.  Her bandmates were also wearing button down shirts.  Not sure what the message or theme was.  The flavor of her set this night is tunes of surviving heartbreak.  The set had a heaviness and driving sound.  There’s power and drive to her songs.   Her lilting, storytelling voice has a mesmerizing quality.  She surprised me with a rock 'n’ roll yelp in the song “Night Shift”!  She gave a shoutout to her Dad, who drove all the way from Richmond, VA to Denver for this show!  

 She has a pure Americana magic in her singing and songs. Lucy Dacus’ voice and music give me chills, and I can’t wait to see her when she comes around again.  

Richmond saw many EPs released this year, and we decided to divide the EPs from the full-lengths in order to give as many folks accolades as we could. 

The criteria for chosen EPs:

- up to nine (9) songs and/or twenty (20) minutes of music - excellent quality of engineering - surpasses other EPs in similar genre - superior song construction - degree of accessibility to audience - personal taste (it’s true!)

Here we go: