It’s interesting to see the on-stage dynamics of the Duke Spirit. There seems to be an in-band acknowledgment that once they have got a collective sweat on, they improve as an act.
It’s interesting to see the on-stage dynamics of the Duke Spirit. There seems to be an in-band acknowledgment that once they have got a collective sweat on, they improve as an act.
The Duke Spirit – Rotown, Rotterdam 18/2/06
Life is full of surprises. Consider the following facts. The Duke Spirit have, to my knowledge, only played three gigs in the Randstad over the last three years; two of them pretty low key – the other augmenting an already crowded festival line up. Even more underwhelming, their “could do better” LP, Cuts Across the Land has only just been released over here, a good six months after its UK release, to precious little coverage, let alone acclaim. Now, square that rather depressing information with the fact that the Rotown gig has attracted a decent crowd, genuinely pleased to see them, nodding appreciatively (in that quiet way that Dutch crowds do) along to some pretty fine renditions of their material from a well-established set.
It is obvious to see that, for all their gawkiness and shambling nature, they possess a considerable charm and intelligence which just can’t be faked. Assets that always see them affectionately received over here. They are, without doubt, a real band, warts and all. And real bands normally have the wherewithal to override most difficulties. Apparently the Dukes nearly chucked this date, a heavy dose of flu wreaking havoc with Liela Moss’s voice. Miss Moss certainly wasn’t her normal ebullient wise-cracking self in Rotterdam (though she did try between croaks and coughs). Still, cold or no cold, she has a hell of a voice and used it to full effect, stoking up blistering versions of Cuts Across the Land, Red Weather and Win Your Love.
It’s interesting to see the on-stage dynamics of the Duke Spirit. There seems to be an in-band acknowledgment that once they have got a collective sweat on, they improve as an act. You would be forgiven in thinking that they work it out as they go along (in some ways I sincerely hope they do) as the songs always seem to be affected by the band’s mood. Still, that’s just theorizing on my behalf; maybe they just need a bigger stage. They always seem so cramped and inhibited on the small podiums they perform on here.
However you can always bank on them pulling out the stops for the talismanic Red Weather, a song which boasts a smouldering, slinky dynamic, which, in its turn, allows the Duke Spirit to shake off whatever inhibitions they possess and rock out to the full.
At this point even the congenital chatterers at the bar shut up and take in the act. The main part of the crowd – for their part – is as happy as Larry. Rotown audiences always appreciate a good act, however undiscovered or out of kilter; that’s their big advantage over – let’s face it – the shallow fashionistas who normally constitute an Amsterdam audience. For this lot, the gig is over far too quickly. An encore is raucously called for and warm applause is meted out. Well done Rotown audience!
In conclusion? A good gig all round I’d say. The mission, for the time being has been accomplished. We all now this lot is a fine band. It’s time they started proving it more regularly. We await future developments with considerable interest.
Words: Richard Foster.