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Duke Special - Oh Pioneer (Album Review)
Thursday, 12 July 2012 Written by Ben Bland
Duke Special - Oh Pioneer (Album Review)

It’s hard to ascertain why Duke Special isn’t something of a bigger name than he is. With 'Oh Pioneer' being his tenth studio album, and with his songwriting still deserving of plaudits, the artist less known as Peter Wilson must be beginning to think that the luck will never come for him in the harsh reality of the music business. A consistent producer of high quality albums, it is about time that the Duke got a break.

ImageMaybe this will be the album that sees him finally get that break. A more consciously mainstream effort than some of his previous releases, 'Oh Pioneer' is a rich collection of tracks that deserves more than a casual listen. Opener 'Stargazers of the World Unite' should draw those new to Duke Special straight in. Melodically enticing, but also featuring a rare depth of instrumentation and sound, it is perhaps something of a perfect introduction to Duke Special’s world.

What is most important about 'Oh Pioneer' is not so much the songwriting, assured and clever though that is, but the rich textural approach taken to the overall sound of the album. There are any number of acts out there in the indie/folk singer-songwriter world but few appreciate that, to stand out from the crowd, you need to do more than just put a couple of nice chords together. Whilst Wilson and his piano are the main features of this record upon first listen, they are by no means the only thing going on. There is a rich sonic palette being explored in each song.

With the likes of 'Punch of a Friend' and 'Condition' being glorious highlights, it seems 'Oh Pioneer' may be the album Duke Special has been waiting to release his whole career. He certainly deserves a shot at the big time. This album is far from flawless. There are some clearly apparent ‘weaker tracks’, and it would be fair to accuse the second half of the album of failing to live up to the first. However taken as a whole this is an immensely enjoyable collection and it would be well deserved if Duke Special benefited from a bit more recognition as a result.

'Oh Pioneer' is out now.
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