“Thirteen O’Clock” – The Lucky Wonders

A couple of weeks ago I was wowed by “So You’ve Never” by The Little Wonders. Now that I’ve got the band’s debut album Thirteen O’Clock in my hand I’m thrilled to hear the song was no flash in the pan.

This is a stunning album which takes music back to its roots. In a world of over-processed synthesised sounds the simplicity of The Lucky Wonders music really stands out. It’s simple, but effective, rooted in beautiful harmonies and acoustic orchestration.

I love that this disc feels uniquely Australian. We can hear the accents of vocalists Emma Royle and Jessie Vintila coming through, and even if you’ve never seen the Nullabor you’re taken there in the track of the same name.

The delicate opener “Home” is another standout, while “Emotional” provides one of the most poignant moments on the disc. The stripped back closer “Rather Be Lovin You” is rollicking good fun.

I can imagine much of Thirteen O’Clock being played around a campfire. It’s just so intimate and organic, with songs you know would sound just as perfect in the live arena as they do on the disc. It’s amazing to think this album is only the start of The Lucky Wonders’ story. With such maturity in their first release, this Byron Bay band definitely has a big future ahead.

Thirteen O’Clock is available in good music stores now. You can catch the band on their album launch tour at the following shows.

14 April 2010 – The Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
16 April 2010 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
17 April 2010 – Milton Theatre, Milton
18 April 2010 – Front Bar, Canberra
19 April 2010 – The Phoenix, Canberra
23 April 2010 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
25 April 2010 – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne
29 April 2010 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
30 April 2010 – The Royal Oak, Launceston
1 May 2010 – Stage Door, Bernie
8 May 2010 – The Gov Front Bar, Adelaide
14 May 2010 – UWA, Perth
16 May 2010 – Mojos, Fremantle
20 May 2010 – Quindanning Inn, Quindanning
21 May 2010 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
22 May 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 May 2010 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark
28 May 2010 – Camel Bar, Geraldton
29 May 2010 – Clancy’s, Fremantle
30 May 2010 – The Paddo, Perth
4 June 2010 – Gascoyne Hotel, Carnarvon
5 June 2010 – Monkey Bar, Monkey Mia
10 June 2010 – Coral Bay Hotel, Coral Bay
11 June 2010 – Whalers Bar, Exmouth
16, 18 & 19 June 2010 – Divers Tavern, Broome
20 June 2010 – Matsos Brewery, Broome
23 June 2010 – Station Township, Kununurra
25 June 2010 – Ski Club, Darwin
26 June 2010 – The Happy Yess, Darwin
27 June 2010 – Mindil Markets, Darwin
2 July 2010 – Firkin and Hound, Alice Springs
3 July 2010 – Outback Pioneer, Ayers Rock Resort
4 July 2010 – Residents Club, Ayers Rock Resort

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash