Rating:
* * * *
The Duke Spirit are the definition of indie scenesters. Formed by two friends at art school in Cheltenham (the Remuera of southern England), everything about the British rock quintet oozes cool. Their sophomore album
Neptune
is a collection of searing garage blues rock, polished and stylised within an inch of its life.
It would be too much - too cool - were it not so damn good.
Frontwoman Leila Moss' deeply seductive, raspy vocals are perfectly balanced against reeling guitars and distorted basslines, standing their ground amidst the noise machine that is the rest of the band.
Opening with the odd a cappella gospel chant
I Do Believe
, the album quickly cuts to the real opener
Send a Little Love Token
- a speeding, scalding track that blends punk beats with bluesy guitar riffs.
While much of the record follows suit, the band enters slow-mo mode on
Wooden Heart
, a deep, mournful duet between Moss and guitarist Luke Ford, accompanied by a wandering flugel horn. The change of pace and instrumentation adds a new dimension to the record and is undoubtedly the standout track.
Special commendation also goes to
Lassoo
, which hears a full brass section enter the refrain, before a psychedelic guitar riff wraps the track. It's bold and experimental - and proves this band aren't simply art school posers. They are the real deal.
Joanna Hunkin
Ebony Lamb performs Successful Feelings. Made with funding from NZ On Air. Video / Locals Only