Weekend Preview – FRI. 9/8: The Duke Spirit w/ Snow Patrol @ Roseland Ballroom
The Duke Spirit
$26, 6:45 PM w/ Augustana @ Roseland Ballroom
Listen:
- 09.07.06
Photos: 03.27 The Duke Spirit @ Fontanas
I made my way down to new Manhattan yupster hotspot Fontana’s in Chinatown to catch an action packed set from UK future stars the Duke Spirit. I’d never seen them or heard anything they’d done before but I’d gotten a good tip that they were worth catching before they headed west to the Coachella Festival. Well I totally lucked out because this band Rocks!
Imagine a bluesier, British Metric and you’d be pretty close to their intense, hard rockin’ sound. Sultry frontwoman Leila Moss has got a dynamic vocal range and commanding stage presence - it’s easy to lose yourself in the tunes as she weaves her hypnotic spell. The pulsating soundscapes are provided by a confident band that seemed to be having fun pushing their material to a new level in this intimate live setting. No detached Brit shoegazing here, these guys thrashed & bounced through the whole set. I’m not sure about all the song names but “Cuts Across the Land” was a definitely highlight, as was Leila’s smooth harmonica solo on another tune (is there anything sexier than a woman who can sing and play the harmonica?). By the time the band reached the roaring finale it was clear the positive buzz will continue. Definitely worth checking out for anyone who likes hot women and/or well written rock n’ roll songs.
- 03.27.06
