ALBUM REVIEW: Lucas Garrett - Bad Karma
Photo by Stephanie J. Bartik
“The songs, production, and delivery really make this an early standout of 2026, and I think Garrett and Co. have a lot to be proud of having this out in the world.”
There is no shortage of talented singer-songwriters in the capital region. It seems like almost everywhere you turn, there is someone doing something that really catches your attention. Led by his signature baritone voice, infectious melodies, and rich lyrical content, Lucas Garrett released an early-year standout with his latest EP, Bad Karma.
It’s always nice when an EP feels like a complete work, rather than a collection of singles and miscellaneous tracks. While musically the tracks don’t all necessarily match, the overarching themes of lost love, no love lost, and love that will hopefully last forever can all be one in the same through someone’s journey.
The theme of lost love can bring about all kinds of emotions and those are examined with the Americana-flavored “Michigan,” where Garrett examines a full spectrum — showing both a tender side and a snarky side. Starting by trying to downplay the impact it had on him with the line, “you moved to a state that started with an M, was it Minnesota or Michigan?” eventually admitting, “there’s no point in lying, it would’ve never happened without you.”
Garrett then examines the feelings of hope and the wait for “Lucy.” Track two of the album heads in a different direction, offering something more akin to a ‘90s rock song, with some really well-placed violin that brings an immediate unique quality to the track. Another highlight is a really gnarly riff that takes things into a bridge where Garrett goes to the low end of his register, adding a real nice snarl that matches the vibe of the song.
There’s then the theme of no love lost, which is on full display with “Cooked In The Flame.” This track really has some attitude to it, by way of the aggressive tones and heavy groove — it even has some unexpected prog moments that are downright nasty in all the right ways. It is underscored by the fire in Garrett’s lyrics and vocal delivery. You can really feel the passion behind “while forgetting every goddamn thing you heard from me.” At this point, you really get the feeling that if you’re getting biting lines and a sharp tongue from him, you really must deserve some…Bad Karma.
In examining the hope for a love that will last forever, Garrett throws a curveball with “Look At Us,” a song that sounds nothing like anything else on the EP to this point — only further demonstrating Garrett’s knack for songwriting. A fantastic contemporary blues number that incorporates some great syncopation to an otherwise typical twelve bar feel really hits a high note with the soulful chorus that pops due to the addition of some nice alto and baritone saxophone and Garrett belting with the album’s co-producer, Alec Lewis, providing backing vocals — those moments might be the best singular moments of the entire EP.
With Bad Karma, Garrett puts his talents on full display, along with the incredible supporting cast. The songs, production, and delivery really make this an early standout of 2026, and I think Garrett and co. have a lot to be proud of having this out in the world.
Check it out for yourself over on his Bandcamp page.