The success of Maria McKee’s solo output that included such prominent releases as the “Show Me Heaven” single, may have overshadowed the merits of LONE JUSTICE, an American ensemble she was part of back in the ’80s when cowpunk still seemed a thing to latch onto and lap up. Active between 1982 and 1987, the band issued but two platters, an eponymous one in 1985 and “Shelter” a year later, both barely missing Billboard 50, yet May 2024 saw the collective original line-up – the quartet of McKee, guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, bassist Marvin Etzioni and drummer Don Heffington – emerge with an impressive cover of “Teenage Kicks” that turned out to be the first single from the foursome’s third album.
Ready to be out on October 25th, the gloriously titled “Viva” is poised to amalgamate the group’s classic values with what Maria explored on “La Vita Nuova” in 2020 – as suggested by “Jenny Jenkins” (listen to the piece below). Whether “I Will Always Love You” is a Dolly Parton perennial remains to be seen, though.
Viva
1. You Possess Me
2. Jenny Jenkins
3. Rattlesnake Mama
4. Teenage Kicks
5. Wade In The Water
6. Nothing Can Stop My Loving You
7. Skull And Cross Bones
8. Alabama Baby
9. I Will Always Love You
10. Sister Anne
