Lucas Cates, Contradictory

From Madison, Wisconsin, Lucas Cates’ band brings together the sounds of folk, pop-rock, storytelling music — somewhat similar to the sound of Jack Johnson. Although the band is named after frontman Lucas Cates, it’s a collaboration of talented and lively musicians. Contradictory, the band’s first album has gained a high reputation on college radio stations nationwide. The lyrics throughout the album describe matters of the heart vs. those of the mind.

I’ve listened to the album several times, and the one song that caught my attention was “Undercover.” The blues melody, coupled with the words of a man waiting for his lover, would be a perfect soundtrack to any good chick-flick. I found myself chuckling, however, at some of the lyrics from the other songs on the album: “Rock it like a pirate, standing on a wooden leg / Make you walk the plank…think I’m going ape shit…” If your musical tastes lean toward Dave Matthews, then do put this in your top five. The one thing that isn’t expected at all, really, is the humor in the songs. For that reason, Contradictory is worth a listen, and if your attention isn’t caught by the soothing vocals, great acoustics, or funny lyrics, then you, my friend, should check to see if you’re still breathing.