Lucero

Don't confuse this Memphis band with the Mexican outfit by the same name - these guys make twangy punk that's in the proud tradition of Uncle Tupelo. The band formed in 1998, square in the middle of the alt country explosion, though Lucero proved themselves to be one of its more enduring bandwagoneers through relentless touring and a string of solid indie releases. Guitarist and vocalist Ben Nichols leads the group and is accompanied by guitarist Brian Venable, drummer Roy Berry, bassist John C. Stubblefield, and utility instrumentalist Rick Steff.