There is something about the album Neptune, the most recent release from The Duke Spirit, that makes the "old shoe" metaphor not seem entirely out of place. The album is both comfortable and familiar but at times you hardly even notice it is on. Their live show on the other hand is just the remedy for such a marginalizing metaphor.
Having previously seen the Duke Spirit live before hearing a single track on their most recent LP made me really want to like the album. But, for some reason I could never get completely on board with it. The most recent performance at the Empty Bottle helped to shed some light on why that might be.
The Duke Spirit are a pretty straightforward rock outfit that leans heavy on blues music, among other influences, and then delivers it in a sort of brash, confident way that the Brits do so well. The problem is, at times the album simply falls flat, even with its slick production. The more interesting guitar work is given little room and seems consistently relegated to the background, while Liela Moss's vocals are prominently paraded out front. Albeit her vocals are assured and strong enough to carry much of the task, they eventually become the only real focal point for a lot of the album which takes its toll. Once you take in the live show, the idea behind this begins to make more sense but it does not completely rectify the situation. Live, the music stands on an even plain with Moss's vocals and it allows her unwielding presence and charisma to place her at the forefront rather than on her vocals alone and this ultimately feels more appropriate. The backing music also becomes more raw, fuzzy and unrestrained which seems as it was originally intended.
Of course all of this is not to say their album is not with out some high points. It is on some of the slower tracks where the band seems to stand out most. Throughout the album, the more upbeat songs become less identifiable and a bit innocuous, while in contrast, the slower songs sound more atmospheric and unique. Songs like "Dog Roses," "Wooden Heart" and "Soverign" stand out like peaks amongst some of the flatter terrain. Surprisingly these upbeat songs tend to play into the strength of their live show, which
brings about the most glaring difference between album and live show for the band, lead singer Liela Moss. Even the radiant vocals which are so much a focal point on album do little to capture the physical presence of Moss. Not to dimish the role of the entire band and the part the music plays but Liela Moss is in most respects, the show. Sleek and catlike, she captivates from start to finish. Her movements are as fluid as they are commanding. It is as if she knows the implications of each movement and the exact effect it is to have upon the audience. Although, even with her presence oozing throughout the room she never really overwhelms or overpowers the music. She actually seems to bring it all together creating an experience that cannot be found on the album.
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