The Duke Spirit - Cuts Across the Land

So much potential...

I bought this after hearing the title track on radio. I never quite warmed to the rest of it, but I still love the title track anytime, and it is a truly talented bunch for a change. For reference: I had hoped this band would be "The Dandy Warhols meet Edie Brickell" and it almost delivered, sort of. In fact, they not only met Edie, but also seemed to give a nod to Grace Slick, a hint of Cowboy Junkies, and, possibly, Neco from Velvet Underground. Leila Moss is a haunting vocalist, and at times, this work comes so close to ripping something delicate inside. But not quite.
I give it a "2" 'cause you can't dance to it, and I didn't understand it. January 4, 2007

Energetic, but a bit samey

Duke Spirit is supposed to be the "latest greatest" emerging British band. Their songs are lively and highly energetic, the band is fun to watch (on YouTube, anyway). The down side is, I find I can't listen to the whole album without getting antsy. They're certainly likable, with a sound derived (to my ears) from Siouxsie and the Banshees. But all the same, the tracks fly by and are mostly indistinguishable from one another. A cut or two from Duke Spirit is a great way to spend a few minutes, but after that I start flipping through CDs looking for something else. "Love Is an Unfamiliar Name" is my favorite track, but if you don't like that one, well there are 14 more that sound just like it--take your pick. All in all, Cuts Across the Land has its charms, just not five stars worth of them. November 13, 2006

Get this now!!!

This is probably my favorite new British band. They have been kicking around the scene for two years ago. I saw them play in New York City at the end of 2004. It took a while for the American release. It's been worth the wait. Liela Moss is a great singer and a star. She is the closest thing we have now that is like Nico and Patti Smith. Their music is like Primal Scream meets the Gun Club. "Cuts Across The Land" and "Darling You're Mean" are brilliant songs. There are a lot of songs on this version. There are no weak tracks. Some other favorites are "Bottom of The Sea" and "Lion RIP." This band may be one of the most exciting bands ever. June 11, 2006

Perfect CD

A review of a record and a group that caught me completely unawares and then was listened to for an entire month making me a total screaming fan by the time I saw them live in Ann Arbor? Not a balanced one anyway. I love this band. They are original with stirring music to go with intelligent lyric. A new force in my mind that should be better known and recognized. There are NO weak tracks on this album. Leila moves like Axl Rose and sings like a cooler, female Jim Morrison. How's that for an incoherent raving fan review? June 11, 2006

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