Neptune, The Duke Spirit
Cuts Across The Land proved to be a breakthrough success for this English five-piece, with the album combining a mix of noise, grunge, rock’n’roll and psych-soul to perfection. The release of Neptune has seen the band continue in much the same direction. Still present are the dirty guitars and slipshod drums trailing behind a smoggy, sweet voice, all layered amongst a modicum of chiming keys and wrapped in a package of despair, confusion and obscurity. Yet the album feels a degree more overstated than its predecessor.
Production by stoner rock godfather Chris Goss, who has lent his hand to acts such as Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age and Soulwax, has ensured the overall sound remains grungey, but still clean enough to satisfy pop production. Not necessarily a bad thing, per se, but there are times during the record where the line seems to blur between muddy rock and hard-edged pop. Tracks like My Sunken Treasure and Send A Little Love Token stray more toward the pop side of the musical spectrum, while The Step And The Walk and Dog Roses keep their feet firmly planted in the grimy fringe.
Neptune is another great achievement for the band, whom have released numerous EPs over the five years they have been together; their sophomore LP representing a mature progression in sound and style, and establishing them as a band to watch in the future. Recommended for darkly whimsical evenings, sorrowful isolation and bleak reflection.
Release: Album
To Cure: A broken heart
Keywords: Etch n Sketch
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