Irish Rocker Jack Lukeman’s Moves Overpower the Room

Irish rocker Jack Lukeman sings in a deep voice reminiscent of U2’s Bono, but at LunaPark on Tuesday, his black pompadour and vinyl pants made him look more like a blend of Elvis, Marc Almond and Buster Poindexter. The effect was vaguely retro, mixing some contemporary energy with an ‘80s pop sound.

Lukeman, who began his career mainly singing Jacques Brel material, has released three albums in Ireland, where he enjoys a devoted following. His U.S. debut, “Metropolis Blue,” came out recently, and with an American promotional push underway, he seemed to be trying too hard at LunaPark.

His mannered baritone and the breathless readings of songs from “Metropolis Blue” could often be effective, in a kind of melodramatic way. But he seemed to think he was playing to a much larger room, giving his over-the-top movements a campy feel. Lukeman was committed to a revivalist’s brand of show biz, leaping into the air and trying not to hit his head on the low ceiling.

Though he was almost clumsy in his stage moves and earnestness, there was something genuine in his attempts to ignite the audience. Most memorable, though, was the quieter emotion of such songs as “Rooftop Lullaby.” Behind him stood an able rock quartet, and the set was most exciting when those players were allowed to erupt. But mostly it was Lukeman himself who commanded the spotlight, stomping on the small stage like some high-octane cabaret singer with no limits at all.

* Jack Lukeman plays next Thursday at LunaPark, 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 9:45 p.m. $5. (310) 652-0611.