blind-fitter Posted May 18, 2006 Report Share Posted May 18, 2006 If, like me, you're the sort of person whose head would be turned by the description "PJ Harvey meets Sonic Youth meets The Pixies", The Duke Spirit might be right up your alley. Truth be told they're not quite as wonderful as that "meeting of genius" description might suggest, but they're on the right track. Their debut album released last year, "Cuts Across The Land", hints at what this band could achieve. It is on first listening that the PJ Harvey comparison leaps to the fore. This is probably down to vocalist Liela Moss, who comes across (slightly) as a well-spoken "Home Counties" chick with soulful bluesy affectations. But in actual fact, her vocals are pretty impressive throughout and she sounds convincingly "edgy" and genuinely soulful. On further listening, I've appreciated more their musical textures: where the Sonic Youth / Pixies references come in, though these comparisons possibly don't do The Duke Spirit justice. Their influences/inspirations clearly go further than this and they don't deserve to be "pigeonholed". They aren't afraid to use slide guitars / reverb effects, seem to dig some 60s sounds/production techniques, and are apt to experiment with sound. I'd like to see them become a bit more adventurous, but that's a minor grumble. Well worth keeping a watchful eye on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyguitar Posted May 18, 2006 Report Share Posted May 18, 2006 This is probably down to vocalist Liela Moss, who comes across (slightly) as a well-spoken "Home Counties" chick with soulful bluesy affectations. But in actual fact, her vocals are pretty impressive throughout and she sounds convincingly "edgy" and genuinely soulful. Yeah, and she's 'sex on a stick' too....which doesn't hurt. JMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blind-fitter Posted March 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Been listeneing to The Duke Spirit's "Cuts Across The Land" album recently and it really is mighty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blind-fitter Posted November 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 The Duke Spirit are sounding better all the time. Hear tracks from their latest EP "Ex Voto" HERE I see they are categorised as "soul/psychedelic/punk"; a winning combination, in my book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blind-fitter Posted November 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 "Lassoo" from the Ex Voto EP "Cuts Across The Land" the title track of their debut album of two years ago. "Lion Rip" from the "Cuts Across The Land" album. "Will The Devil Dance?" I hadn't heard this one before. Cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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