A marching vocal stroll and complementing piano kick gives a 50’s noire element to Duke Special’s ‘Portrait’. Carefree lyrics add a restful feel and shows up the steady mind of Ireland’s Peter Wilson, who is indeed, Duke Special. Lobbing melodies are thrown around with decadence and the playful lyrics delivered with sincerity, in the slightly down-spirited ‘Feet in the Sky’. Allowing you to feel the aching through the piano riffs, in an almost Beth Orton vein.
Duke Special’s real pull is in a live setting. In support of David Ford not so long ago, The Dukester decked out his rustic piano with candles and created a welcoming and slightly romantic ambience. A good attempt at capturing his live pull is made with the inclusion of a live version of the troubled, yet determined ‘MAPS’, with the shivering inclusion of floating piano riffs to rekindle some of the above mentioned ambience. The hymn styled ‘Low’ is a good choice for another live inclusion, as Wilson’s vocals tower above a slow piano to deliver the life dwelling lyrics. Duke Special’s brand of heart bearing indie is going to draw comparisons to the early days of Aqualung, but each offering is still showered with individuality.
