This year, Naarm based alt-rock artist Lucky has been having her moment. The singer has burst onto the scene as an extremely fresh and exciting new talent. With a style that is a mosaic of shoe-gazey guitar music, glowing indie rock chords and captivating fable-telling vocals, Lucky has been running laps following the release of her debut EP Biting Heels in April this year. On Saturday 17 October, she performed the record for free at Richmond’s The Corner Hotel. With the gentle charm of indie-pop royalty Beabadoobee, Clairo and Shelly, Lucky dons a 90s rock and grungy edge reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins and Violent Soho. I’m always a vulture for a free gig and this one was extra special. I hope Lucky is ready for an abundant 2027!

In the crowd, at the Corner’s cosy front-bar, listeners were surrounded by the familiar faces of other Aussie artists. Spider Bait and Amyl and the Sniffers gazed down from its eclectic walls, Lucky’s show setting off with Too Tired. The song is the final track from Biting Heels and began the set with its dreamy story-telling lyrics. In it, Lucky’s silky vocals juxtapose yet triumph the strength of its guitar section. Clover followed suit, with its nostalgic 2000s almost coastal rock reverb. These two songs were the perfect first tasters of Lucky’s playful sound, with her music shaping into something that is both dainty and fierce.

Her latest single, Take It, was a first time listen for me at the gig, breaking up the impact of Biting Heels. With its catchy chorus, and even more satisfying bridge, the track is well rounded and displays a glossy production quality. Next, Adored and Perfect Pain, Biting Heels’ opening tracks, were played. Lucky’s vocals take on a lower register in Adored, basking in the warmth of its lush bass guitar. Perfect Pain revealed itself as an intriguing personality, demonstrating her range and careful use of contradictory musical elements. A sunny embrace with its harmonies but its lyrics reveal something more contemplative and downcast. Another defining feature of her style. 

Houston, one of my favourite tracks at the moment, whorled with its shoe-gazey melody. The percussion rolled into the lovely, Lady Beetle, her breakthrough song. It is very much her own with its pop-infused sugary feel. Title track Biting Heels flurried into the room next. As the EP’s title track, it needed to have its moment. Many of her songs remind of the Y2K garage-rock and indie-sleaze genres but are refreshing with their childlike play and air of wonder. This was evident in the last two songs she performed; Hide and Seek and Never Know. The former combines childhood motifs and imagery with a more mature sound and introspective lyrics. Never Know was a charming finish to the set, a bonus track from Biting Heels which sent me off ready to enjoy the rest of the sunny spring afternoon.

Lucky will be accompanying Freak Slug on her US tour in November. She is also set to play at Party In The Paddock in Lutruwita/Tasmania, next February.