"Live a Little" picks up where that one left off, although the intervening years have given Lucky's members added maturity and assurance.
The band builds its sound around Kristi Callan's polished vocals and Dave Nolte's powerful lead guitar lines. Callan's twin (sic) sister, Kelly, handles drums, while newcomer Michael Lawrence plays bass.
Nolte, a veteran not only of Wednesday Week but also Maria McKee's band and South Bay veterans The Last, propels these songs with crisp, concise lead riffs.
Callan's voice has a suppleness that allows her to alternate between melodic mid-tempo tunes such as "Feel Better" and tougher numbers such as "Hold Me Back."
Everyone in the band contributes vocals throughout, with Kelly Callan's backing harmonies deserving special praise. The overall effect is akin to a cross between Belly and The Breeders, with less self-consciousness and more tunefulness.
"Live a Little" should be sought out by every fan of hook-laden songs played and sung with zest.
- Sam Gnerre, 2/96