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If 2005's Cuts Across The Land showed a young but ambitious group caught standing in the shadows of their musical heroes, The Duke Spirit's latest album sees them emerging out of the shade with a mature set that's as powerful as it is energetic. When the frantic sneer-pop of Send A Little Love Token roars out from the speakers, it's impossible not to experience the adrenalin rush of being in the company of a band not only on their way, but on their way under their own steam. Sure the signposts of Sonic Youth, Pixies, et al can be glimpsed as the music hurtles along, but it's blindingly obvious they've been digging deep to transcend those influences, to find their true voice, indeed, their true spirit.
This coming of age is due to hard graft, spending much of last year working the circuit in the USA, and perhaps their growth as writers has also had something to do with the wide open surroundings of the Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, with stoner rock Godfather Chris Goss at the controls. Travel, in this case, really has broadened the mind, resulting in something far more panoramic than their debut.
This is an album simply dripping with the kind of confidence that comes from knowing you've delivered the goods. The Step and The Walk, all brooding bass and chrome-retro pop, packs a pout for sure but has substance as well. Inevitably singer Liela Moss will soak up much of the press attention that they undoubtedly deserve. However, it'd be a mistake to underestimate or overlook the twin-guitar bite provided by Luke Ford and Dan Higgins on tracks such as Into The Fold. It may be under two and a half minutes but they know when to keep their powder dry and when to let it blast. Ditto the bluesy-glamed-up slice and dice on This Ship Was Built To Last. We've heard a lot of blink-and-you-miss-it indie power pop before but The Duke Spirit deliver a brass-laced sucker punch that'll have you holding your jaw, wondering what hit you long after the record has finished. --Sid Smith
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I first heard the voice of Liela Moss on "Mayday" by uk based "Unkle" feat. The Duke Spirit. After playing that song plenty of times i thought i would buy the album even though i hadn't heard any of The Duke Spirit's own work, but im glad i did. "Neptune" shows off the power and individuality of Moss' voice. Every song is great espescially "Into the Fold", "Lassoo" and "Neptune's Call". After buying this album and listening to it countless of times i bought thier first album and an Ep of theirs so i could get a larger collection of work produced by one of the most original modern British bands.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This hasn't received much attention from UK critics - just the odd grudging 3-star review. The suspicion is that the band are being pre-judged on account of the received wisdom about underperforming debut Cuts Across the Land. On the evidence of this new release they must be wondering just how good they have to be to be to get a proper hearing, because Neptune is a blinding album.
The dense, powerful sound is still there, driven by thumping drums and buzzing guitar. Their energy was never in doubt, but now it's harnessed to songs crammed full of killer hooks. Singer Liela Moss delivers them in a compelling voice that ranges from cut-glass precision to rock-chick slur. Her accent has a suggestion of posh English, with hints of Cockney and a dash of West Country: 'on' is 'awn' and 'life' becomes 'loyfe'.
The lyrics are full of the sea, but the music suggests that it dried up a million years ago. This is desert rock, hot, bright and dry like the arid piano and abrasive, dehydrated harmonica that stalk the sparse and magnificent Dog Roses. Much of the album has a parched intensity that's difficult to resist.
The dense, powerful sound is still there, driven by thumping drums and buzzing guitar. Their energy was never in doubt, but now it's harnessed to songs crammed full of killer hooks. Singer Liela Moss delivers them in a compelling voice that ranges from cut-glass precision to rock-chick slur. Her accent has a suggestion of posh English, with hints of Cockney and a dash of West Country: 'on' is 'awn' and 'life' becomes 'loyfe'.
The lyrics are full of the sea, but the music suggests that it dried up a million years ago. This is desert rock, hot, bright and dry like the arid piano and abrasive, dehydrated harmonica that stalk the sparse and magnificent Dog Roses. Much of the album has a parched intensity that's difficult to resist.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Duke Spirit have come up with a great second album which hopefully should see them break through in 2008. Liela Moss's vocals have great range and she sings with real feeling I haven't enjoyed listening to a female lead singer so much since Siouxsie Sioux was in her prime. Their musical influences have been much discussed, however The Duke Spirit are most definitely a contemporary 21st century band and deserve success in 2008!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fresh and imaginative with a slighly haunted feel
This was bought on a whim and I have absolutely no regrets.
Neptune's Call is a a real gem and whilst it's not all solid gold there are many other terrific tracks. Read more
Neptune's Call is a a real gem and whilst it's not all solid gold there are many other terrific tracks. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Jonathan Clark
Absolutely brilliant
I have only just discovered this album... and it's a gem. Every song is fully of catchy riffs and witty, intelligent lyrics. Read more
Published on 7 May 2010 by M. S. Wickens
A thrilling "comeback"
Despite critical acclaim for the debut album, it pretty much sank without trace so in comes Queens of the Stone Age producer Chris Goss and delivers the garage rock album you would... Read more
Published on 2 May 2008 by IWFIcon
Good Form
The Duke Spirit on very good form. 'Send a Little Love Token', best track and paves the way for the shape of things to come. Read more
Published on 14 Feb 2008 by Layla
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