If Kusama is a sample of what’s to come on The Duke Spirit’s forthcoming album Bruiser, expect a sound accumulated from the bluesy garage rock of 2006’s Cuts Across the Land and the catchy, polished soul of 2008’s Neptune (QRO review).
Garage and ‘60s rock have a strong presence on "Everybody’s Under Your Spell". It’s the most accessible song from the EP, and a harkening to Cuts Across the Land‘s rougher moments. However, on the track "Victory", the layered harmonies may be the highlight, but can’t save the song from becoming mediocre.
Click here for photos of The Duke Spirit at CMJ 2011 in New York, NY in the QRO Concert Photo Gallery
Click here for QRO’s review of The Duke Spirit at Webster Hall in New York, NY on July 30th, 2008
The beautiful ballad "Northbound" takes cues from Neptune‘s ballads "Dog Roses" and "My Sunken Treasure". "Northbound" slowly builds, and the guitars reminiscent of the Pixies (QRO live review) add an edgy contrast to singer Leila Moss’ soft vocal delivery. Her quiet soulfulness on the track and her overall distinctive voice proves yet again why she is one of indie music’s best female vocalists.
The Kusama EP indicates that The Duke Spirit are combining the sounds of the previous albums but still making it sound fresh and unique. Hopefully Bruiser will also reflect such a change.
MP3 Stream: "Everybody’s Under Your Spell"
