05/02/05 The Duke Spirit @ Hope & Grape, Manchester

February 06, 2005 by Daniel Pratley

The fact that The Duke Spirit are unable to sell out the intimate Hop and Grape is hard to comprehend considering the media ruckus that followed the release of ‘Roll Spirit Roll’ but then again that was nearly two years ago. Now with the debut album penned and impending a May release, Leila Moss’ band of indistinguishable gents scatter themselves onstage. Choosing to open with two new tracks ‘Win your love’ and ‘Fades the sun’ is a brave gesture, but neither song abrade my ears, nor do they ignite. A slight cause for concern for any average band but this is The Duke Spirit, a band that define style and attitude more than those pasty Strokes ever did.

Inevitably singles ‘Dark is light enough’ and latest ‘Lion Rip’ get the greatest applause, but its ‘Red Weather Hill’ that proves the bands pure gold worth. Saturated in feedback it’s both soulful and chaotic, lurching towards The Velvet Underground fronted by the spawn of Nico.

Leila squirms and seductively weaves around the mic, a consummate commander in complete control of a captivated audience. Sounds like bullshit, but I’ve never seen a greater front woman, what Blondie had, Leila sharpens, tightens and exudes with the passion of Mandela. Leila’s vocals are faultless as she streaks between drawling coo and ear splitting trill like an amative Kate Bush. Before no time, the lights are upped and the band are off, no thanks to an almost equally long set by those useless supporting ****ers Dogs. Even without live favourite ‘Howling Self’ The Duke Spirit give a great impression of their capabilities; up the venue, out the album, the spirit is ready to roll, just don’t feed the dogs eh?

Photo by Daniel Pratley

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