From left to right: Lila Elm, Parc Murdock, and Lyla Carpenter. Photograph by Maya Eiben.
Every band’s gotta start somewhere, and in the case of Charleston-based riot grrrl-fusion rockers Lefty Lucy, that somewhere is here and now. Consisting of bassist/vocalist Lyla Carpenter, keyboardist Claire Duane, guitarist Lila Elm, and drummer Parc Murdock, Lefty Lucy is a distorted, synthy, horror-punk enigma. The band spoke about their influences, their humble beginning, and what’s to come for the young rockers.
Savannah Georgia’s Southbound Brewing Company recently hosted The Maxine’s album release bash, showcasing seven local acts. Marking the band’s third ever performance on stage, Lefty Lucy kicked off the event with an explosive set, complete with a crunchy guitar sound intertwining with psychedelic keyboards in a unique showcase of genre blending. The setlist was packed with originals and an amped up cover of The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb.”
“It was unbelievable,” said Elm, “we’ve been playing at some pretty cool places and I’m really grateful for that.”
They formed around March/April of this year, meeting through high school and forming an instant, electric connection, bonding over shared names (in Lyla and Lila’s case) and their mutual status as “music nerds.” According to the group, each member presents their own individual charm when rehearsing, Carpenter bringing forth lyrics. Together, they add new ideas to the compositions as they rehearse, riffing off of each other with rapid-fire musical energy.
“It all kind of comes alive when we get to operate together,” Elm told me. Murdock describes their dynamic as having an unspoken understanding of the music, often able to let their songs grow without even having to discuss it verbally.
The band’s chemistry was evident at their Southbound Brewery performance, which I had the opportunity to attend. When asked about their influences, it was clear how each musician brought theirs to the table on stage. “[I’m influenced by] Hole and The Breeders, definitely…and I mean, Courtney Love’s songwriting!” Carpenter told me.
“It’s hard to count my influences because I take a little from all the drummers that I listen to and I just do what feels right for the song,” Murdock added. “People like Morgan Simpson of Black Midi…Jimmy Chamberlin.”
As for Elm’s crunchy, rhythmic guitar, her influences stem from Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and 70s classic rock. Similar inspirations applied to Duane’s groovy keyboard melodies, with the addition of classical piano. “…it’s kind of unusual to have a keyboard in a riot grrrl band. It brings a different aspect to it, but like I think it works,” she said, describing the addition of synth to a heavier sound as an added “sparkle.”
One of the band’s tunes, Love Vampire, sums up the one-of-a-kind sound created as a result of the mix of genres, styles and instruments. It features a Cliff Burton-esque, melodic bass riff and a horrific, Black Sabbathish organ. With an entertaining blend of riot grrrl fury and the band’s organic method of building song compositions, it became, according to Carpenter, “something really cool.”
Claire Duane. Photograph by Maya Eiben.
In terms of what’s to come for Lefty Lucy, they hope to go on tour by the end of this year, tackling the Southeast Coast with their eyes on cities such as Atlanta, Greenville, and Charlotte. The band also plans on recording an album. Lefty Lucy’s enthusiasm and authenticity radiates the thrill of what they agreed was the start of something special…coated in heavy distortion, synth, and raw punk rock.
