Alive in Concert Rating: 7.5 / 10.0
"Neptune" -- My introduction to The Duke Spirit -- was recommended to me, and I am thankful for that. After 35 years of voracious music consumption, it is still so rewarding to find something new by creative and inspired musicians - and that is certainly an apt description of the members of this pop/rock group from the U.K.
Without a doubt, the standout feature of The Duke Spirit is the singing of Liela Moss -- rich, deep and full-bodied. Sexy. She has a great instrument and she knows how to use it. I hear slight shades of Janis Joplin, Siouxie Sioux, heavier amounts of early Grace Slick, and, here and there, touches of Hope Sandoval. From the band, I hear some very early Rolling Stones and Kinks, Stax/Volt, and Motown - all well blended with a mix of the major developments in English pop music over the last 30 years. Oh - and a healthy fascination with Sonic Youth.
I hear yet another great British band that knows more about the history of American music than most Americans. This is Rock n Roll -- with a rhythm section that kicks it right on every time.
Equal parts driving and seductive, "Neptune" provides a solid listening experience with nary a clunker in the lot.
The songs are all original, and show a mature sense of song craft, featuring rich and powerful arrangements. These are musicians who know how to interpret their own material. It takes a firm grasp of the musical arts to decide where and when to use a Rock n Roll Flugelhorn.
"Neptune" is a real treat - I am very much impressed - and I recommend it whole-heartedly.
Members:
Olly Betts - Percussion, Piano, Drums, Glockenspiel, Backing Vocals
Toby Butler - Bass, Guitar, Backing Vocals, Horn Arrangements, Vox Organ
Luke Ford - Guitar, Vocals
Dan Higgins - Guitar, Autoharp, Hammond Organ, Backing Vocals, Omnichord
Liela Moss - Vocals, Organ, Harmonica, Percussion, Piano
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