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The Duke Spirit – Kusama EP (Review)
Monday, 07 February 2011 Written by Rob Sleigh


Looking back a few years to around the time of their first two albums, 2005’s ‘Cuts Across the Land’ and 2008’s ‘Neptune’, London four-piece The Duke Spirit were being praised for their blending of garage rock with more experimental music. The band’s frontwoman Leila Moss was even drawing comparisons to the likes of Debbie Harry, Karen O and PJ Harvey. However, for their new EP ‘Kusama’, it seems that such associations cannot be made. While Moss may still retain some of her Blondie-esque vocal attributes in places, there is certainly nothing here that could be described as particularly innovating or even especially praiseworthy.

Since the release of ‘Neptune’, The Duke Spirit have been fortunate enough to experience some recognition across the pond and their music has even seen them make a few stateside television appearances on several high-profile shows. However, with the exception of a handful of low chart placings, the band have been met by relatively little acknowledgement in their own country. With a new album, ‘Bruiser’, on the way sometime over the next few months, The Duke Spirit will no doubt be hoping for some homegrown success. Unfortunately though, the ‘Kusama EP’, an apparent precursor to the album that has been released just in time to coincide with their current spate of gigs, is unlikely to gain the group anymore local appreciation outside of their existing circle of fans.

ImageThe EP begins reasonably well with a crunchy guitar intro to lead track ‘Everybody’s Under Your Spell’. Beyond this, however, the song does not offer much in the way of extra appeal. It’s a fairly respectable grungey sort of track that reminds somewhat of Garbage, but the overuse of too many old tricks destroys any sense of charm that it might have otherwise had. Elsewhere, no further improvement can be found. Leila’s vocals are as striking as ever and the music from the other band members is far from dreadful. Unfortunately, that’s the most that can be said in any attempt at praise. Let’s hope the album proves to be an improvement.

Stereoboard Rating: 5/10
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