Lucky Soul

Lucky Soul are a six-piece pop group from South East London, formed by songwriter and sound engineering student Andrew Laidlaw after his early musical ideas begin in Glasgow. Laidlaw draws on the classic soul records he hears at a small club called Papa Cool, then moves to London, recruits musicians and places an advert for a singer. Ali Howard joins after answering the call, bringing a voice that sits between power and vulnerability and becoming the band’s lead singer.

Formation and early lineup

Laidlaw builds the group with friends in London and later runs the band through a series of lineup changes. On the second album, Howard, Laidlaw and guitarist Ivor Sims remain from the original formation. Russell “Rusty” Grooms plays bass, Paul Atkins plays drums, and Art Terry joins on keyboards after first arriving to tune Laidlaw’s piano. Terry is described as a former protégé of Arthur Lee of Love.

Style and influences

The band’s music combines detailed pop songwriting with elements associated with Stax, Motown, Edith Piaf, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Arcade Fire and Scott Walker. Their songs are described as melodically direct but lyrically more complex than they first appear, with themes of heartbreak and existential strain set against a polished pop sound. Laidlaw is also described as synaesthetic, experiencing music visually.

Recordings and releases

Lucky Soul release their first album, The Great Unwanted, on their own label Ruffa Lane, which is set up with the help of close friends. The album sells 50,000 copies worldwide and reaches the top 10 in Japan. It receives strong critical attention and establishes the band’s reputation. The follow-up album, A Coming of Age, is created with the band retaining creative control after turning down an offer to work with Tony Visconti. Laidlaw produces the record himself, with mixing handled in New York by Victor Van Vugt.

Later development

After touring the debut album, the band returns to ordinary jobs while waiting for royalties. Laidlaw spends a period living in the band’s studio and later in a converted fire station in Greenwich while working on the second album. The advance singles Woah Billy! and White Russian Doll present the album’s harder-edged direction and more confident production.