Gruene Hall has always been a significant place for Uncle Lucius. In 2018, after penning four critically-acclaimed albums, wrecking five tour vans, and touring in more countries than they could count, the Austin band called it quits, and their final shows happened at the iconic New Braunfels venue. Five years later, when they made their triumphant comeback, their first shows post-hiatus were also at the venue.

The New Braunfels dance hall has operated continuously for nearly 150 years. Throughout its storied history, the venue has been a cornerstone for many Texas artists, including George Strait, ZZ Top, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Townes Van Zandt. Like those artists, Uncle Lucius’ blend of roots rock and Americana is a distinctly Texan affair. Similarly, the venue has been, and continues to be steeped in the state’s musical history.

When Uncle Lucius was planning their latest tour, it only made sense that they return to Gruene Hall. “You can feel the magic within those walls,” lead singer Kevin Galloway says. Out November 17th, Live in ‘25 captures the band’s latest outing at Gruene Hall, recorded during a two-night stand in March of this year.

The live setting allows the band to enter new sonic territories, where choogling guitar solos meld with swirling organ lines, all held together by Galloway’s gruff voice. The band jams at length, stretching out into the six and seven minute marks. Older songs like “All The Angelenos” poke fun at their state’s newfound population, lightheartedly goading the Californians who move to the Lone Star State. “Keep The Wolves Away,” featured on an episode of Yellowstone, captures the hardships of growing up in Freeport, where Galloway’s father was seriously injured in an oil tanker accident.

The Gruene Hall recording also captures the band’s recent renaissance. Since reforming, their lineup has shifted, adding Doug Strahan on guitar and Drew Scherger on bass. The live album also contains four newly-penned songs, released for the first time on Live in ‘25. “Let Me Get a Lengua Plate” honors local taquerias; “Say There Sunshine” and “Mississippi Dive Bartendress” narrate road trips to various effects. “Last night on me / this road has stoned me,” he sings on the latter track, a shuffling drumbeat and rollicking guitar accompanying him. “Releasing new material on a live record seemed right to us,” lead guitarist Michael Carpenter says. “We recorded ‘Say There Sunshine’ in the studio, and it just doesn’t have the same energy.”

Live in ‘25 finds the band in a reflective moment, both on their own career and the long arc of Texas music. Uncle Lucius dwells on their own history, tracing their decades-long career, past influences like Bobby Charles, and newer material into one album. They also look back on the past century of Gruene Hall, carrying the Texan legacy of country, swamp rock, and Americana. “Having Uncle Lucius record a live album at Gruene Hall continues the tradition that’s been alive here for nearly 150 years,” a representative of the venue says. “Gruene Hall has always been a place where music lives on, and we’re proud to be part of the Uncle Lucius story.”