Jesus Piece, courtesy Kayla Menze. This week we feature Ryan Oakes’ exploration of masked mental health issues, Joseph’s affirmation, the industry savior faire of Tdot illdude, McKinley Dixon’s mournful tribute track, the never-ending nightmare of Jesus Piece and the passing acceptance of the inevitable with Lucero and Lucy Kruger &…

Tennessee roots rockers Lucero looked to flip the script with their ninth studio album. Vocalist and songwriter Ben Nichols wrote Among the Ghosts with a fresh outlook following his marriage and the birth of his now 2-year-old daughter. The band also looked to channel the live feel of its…

Photos: Alessio Neri SAN FRANCISCO — Lucero and Esmé Patterson shared emotion and an unexpected level of vulnerability at the Fillmore Saturday. The headliner’s two-hour set was replete with its one-of-a-kind alt-country sound, ranging from old favorites to songs from 2015’s, All a Man Should Do. Lucero has been together for almost 20 years,…