The Duke Spirit - Neptune

The follow-up to their 2005 release, "Cuts Across The Land". "Leila Moss, whose voice seems to hold some kind of Bjorkesque urgency and Icelandic guttural angst, is a proper lady of rock, a la Harry, Sioux, or Hynde...something we need amongst the tiny 'angry' indiepixiemen of today" - Clash. "'Neptune' is choc-a-block with tracks so deadly they could slaughter, not only from 30 paces, but while blindfolded" - NME. Product Description

It's an awesome cd

I don't understand why anyone who has bought and listened to this CD would only give it 4 stars. It's a lot of fun to listen to. The lead singer has a fantastic voice, the songs are pretty well written. What more do you want? May 7, 2008

NEPTUNE BESTS ITS PREDECESSOR BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS (3.8 stars)

I first remember being smitten with The Duke Spirit about 3 years ago. Apart from what I consider a fabulous band name, I had noticed their tiny advert in the NME for their single Lion Rip (from 2006's Cuts Across the Land). It had great deer themed artwork. It was enough to prompt an impulse import purchase. I liked their sound from the onset, and above all, really liked Leila Moss' lead vocals. Her voice is something the band as a whole are smart enough to highlight at every opportunity. At that first listen she sounded like a flawless Nico with a better voice and much more of a rock vibe and less art house. I was slightly hooked to say the least.

Now four years or so later, finds me with a new Duke Spirit effort, titled "Neptune", and believe me when I tell you it's just what the doctor ordered. Staying with the same 60's-ish rock vibe (turned up a few notches), "Neptune" bests its predecessor by leaps and bounds. The strong suits of the band remain in tact, from Leila's voice to Olly's pounding drums, it is all tighter and better than ever. "Neptune" starts out with an eerie vocal intro that has Leila singing, "I do believe in something you know", it has a very church hymn quality to it. As soon as that is over, and it's over rather soon at 43 seconds, the songs kick in. Straight forward is the order of the day to "Send A Little Love Token", it's brash and bouncy and a great way to jump start a record in the right direction. Next up is the single and for once, a really great song is the lead single of a record. "The Step and The Walk" adds some blues elements to the rock mix, but it stays catchy and fun, never too heavy handed. Someone could draw some late 60's comparisons to Jefferson Airplane (minus much the psychedelica mind you), I think those comparisons are a bit off, but again, the vibe is definitely there. Having seen them do this tune 3 times now live, when it ramps up after the bridge and Leila pounds on her tambourine, you'll believe in the notion of rock n roll as it sits in the classic (proper) sense of the word.

"Dog Roses" slows things down to a gentle head bobbing pace, and adds the surprisingly strong harmonica playing of the lead singer. Other very strong songs come at you in pairs, esp. with back to back pairing of "This Ship Was Built to Last" and "Wooden Heart." Both are both slower grinding numbers, complete with fuzzy guitars and slow pulsing rhythm and in the case of "Wooden Heart", my Velvets connection is somewhat realized right down to the vocal delivery and subtle French horn. So just when it's safe to keep slow dancing, Toby, Luke, and Dan bring back the guitars with "Lassoo." Another personal favorite that will get the most stagnant listener moving. From front to back, The Duke Spirit delivers on their early promises and then some. If you want a great rock n roll experience, full of great writing and dynamic execution, I can think of no better way than join Leila's gang. Now where did I put my leather jacket? April 30, 2008

marine

Moss sounds very much like Grace Slick, and the sound here is hard rock, but with some intelligence and nuance. It is a far superior release to their first album: much more lyrical, melodic and interesting. Lots of crunchy guitar riffs, and nasty tones from Moss, with few guitar solos to slow things down. It all makes for a cool atmosphere, with marine metaphors--"Neptune", get it? April 24, 2008

The Duke Spirit's second album resonates and rocks!

The Duke Spirit released a critically well received debut album "Cuts Across the Land" in 2005, and finally the UK indie-rockers have released their follow-up album.

"Neptune" (12 tracks; 37 min.) starts off with a short a-cappella "I Do Believe" from lead singer Liela Moss, and then crashes into "Send a Little Love Token", which is followed by an equally rocking (and first UK single) "The Step and the Walk". The band sounds tight, makes its musical point, and moves on to the next track. From a blazing "Into the Fold" it then goes to a smolthering "This Ship Was Built to Last", the best track on the album for me, with Moss' vocals on this track reminding me of a cross between Deborah Harry and Erica Wennerstrom. The second half of the album is not quite as strong, although tracks like "Lassoo" (second UK single) and the blistering "Neptune's Call" certainly will catch your attention. At 37 min., this album goes by in no time, and you'll find yourself playing this again and again.

I had the good fortune of catching the Duke Spirit in concert recently (opening for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) and their set was quite the pleasant surprise. It rocked hard from start to finish, and frontwoman Liela Moss is outstanding, and very personable. If you have a chance to see this up-and-coming band, don't miss them. Finally, if you wonder where you might catch the Duke Spirit on the waves, check out WOXY ("BAM! The future of rock and roll!"), the internet-only station that is the best station for indie-rock in the country, bar none. Meanwhile, "Neptune" is highly recommended.

April 20, 2008

My good ness

I cant even type correctly here (putting spaces where they don't belong, skiping puctuation and misspelling words willy-nilly) just thinking about the vast improvement over their first album. They went into the desert (presumably for War Stories) and something got into them for this one - the reverb is better and used to better effect, the songs have a snap to them that they didn't have before (her voice works better and the musicianship is stronger) and they seem to have more command over their style this time. Or maybe it's just the cover art - I don't know. It's a good one. The day I got it, I had to go to work... but the next day, I probably listened to it 3 (maybe 8?) times before I even thought to do something else with my day off. April 11, 2008

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