The Duke Spirit
Lion Rip

When broken down into its core components, The Duke Spirit's take on all things rock 'n' roll is quite appealing indeed: you've the snarling, muscular rhythm section, raw and ready guitar licks, and a frontwoman with enough sass to out-strut many a would-be starlet. Yet, somehow, the quintet conspire to fuck it all up during the assembly.

Y'see, what should be a song full of fiery soul, laced with the spirit of the band's r'n'r forefathers, is actually nothing more than alternative FM filler. 'Lion Rip' is just too, well, nice, lacking the contrast between light and dark present in the band's work thus far. Indeed, it's almost a parody of their earlier work. Liela Moss still sings with an air of considerable menace, but with such limp, predictable backing, her presence is wasted. "If you want it, you can have it" she offers; okay then, how's about a little substance next time, something more than this made-for-the-Barfly-on-a-Friday-night dross? Reckon you can manage? Cheers...