photo by Steve Gullick
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased tracks, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s selection, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Procession” by The Duke Spirit from the 2011 album Bruiser on Shangri-La Music.
After forming in 2003, English alt-rockers The Duke Spirit have released three full-length albums, just as many EPs, but mostly have flown under the radar, especially across the pond from their native UK. On their latest album, 2011′s Brusier, the five-piece band try to widen their appeal by adding more ballast to their already heavy sound; from the album’s title, to the demonic-looking horned animal on the cover, to the brooding, guttural instrumentation, Bruiser is unquestionably The Duke Spirit’s darkest effort yet. The music is often kept afloat by vixen front woman Liela Moss’s delicate vocal touch on songs like “Don’t Wait” (see video below), but despite her voice and bleach-blonde hair, she can get just as down and dirty as her black-leather-wearing counterparts; today’s featured song, “Procession,” is a prime example.
The Duke Spirit will kick off a European tour in March, but as of now don’t appear to have any US dates scheduled. Check back with their website for updates. In the meantime, have a look at the video for “Don’t Wait,” also off Bruiser, and check out a performance from their in-studio at KEXP back in 2008:
