The Duke Spirit
Love Is An Unfamiliar Name

The Duke Spirit, for all their press attention and live prowess, have never really released a single that fully grabbed the listener by their balls and smashed their limp body against the wall with the might suggested at by so many superb gigs. 'Til now, that is.

'Love Is An Unfamiliar Name' opens with a minute of true menace, Leila Moss' voice finding a vitriolic force unheard across past releases, before exploding into a boisterous rock rampage worthy of all the headliners they've played second fiddle to over this past year or so. Think PJ Harvey back with the angsty bottle she's needlessly lost across so many break ups; think a rhythm and blues-loving Sonic Youth's tremendous volume combined with the kind of confident swagger seen in only the headiest of head-turners.

Actually, think later but buy now. Even the buzzing b-side, 'Every Cell Can Tell', is worth the asking price with or without the triumphant and positively euphoric lead track.