Lone Justice, the influential Los Angeles country-punk band, has officially announced their upcoming album titled 'Viva Lone Justice.' This marks the band's first full-length release since their 1986 album 'Shelter.' Fans are buzzing with excitement as the album will feature previously unreleased material that vocalist Maria McKee recorded as demos for her 1992 solo album, 'You Gotta Sin to Get Saved.'
The drive to explore these archived recordings came after the passing of esteemed drummer Don Heffington in 2021. Musician Marvin Etzioni played a pivotal role in proposing this project to McKee, who then invited former bandmate Ryan Hedgecock to collaborate on refining these demos under the Lone Justice banner.
Anticipation for 'Viva Lone Justice' is building, as the album is expected to blend various musical styles, merging country stomp with folk influences. Notably, it will include a cover of The Undertones’ classic, 'Teenage Kicks.' The band aims to capture the essence of their original sound while delving into new musical directions that extend beyond their LA punk and rockabilly roots.
Known for their electrifying live performances, McKee's distinctive vocals remain a standout feature of the band. Lone Justice has a rich history, having collaborated with iconic figures such as Bob Dylan and shared the stage with major acts like U2 and Tom Petty. Although they faced challenges in achieving widespread commercial success, they were recently honored with an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, celebrating Los Angeles's musical heritage.
While specific details regarding live shows are yet to be confirmed, Etzioni hinted at potential future releases, stating, "I might have some other tapes that could turn into another Lone Justice album." This remark leaves fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
Eager listeners can pre-order 'Viva Lone Justice' here. The album is also featured in the latest issue of Uncut.