Duke Special - Oh Pioneer

There are things you need to hold in mind when reading my musings on Oh Pioneer, the newest record from Duke Special. One is that, secretly (to this point, although it's not a secret anymore) I wish I was him. Who wouldn't want to have hair like that? Who wouldn't want to write songs as distinctive and devilishly melodic, so poignant and yet so playful? Further, as someone with a history of faith, Duke has inspired me more than most in having the guts to step outside the horrors of the faith-driven music scene and simply be the best songwriter he can be in the same, over-populated pool as everyone else. It's been a long journey, from 65DBA and Spring Harvest CDs, through Booley, Booley House (both brilliant live acts, criminally under appreciated by the soporific British scene, through to Benzine Headset, and then through what seems like a journey as Duke, from the early days with a piano, a turntable, and the monumentally talented Chip Bailey on drums and percussion as singer songwriter class and theatric whimsy collided, to this point where Oh Pioneer places the Duke on the brink of richly deserved household recognition.

It's what he deserves. And he should get it too. Oh Pioneer features some of his best songs to date, including the splendid Punch of a Friend and My Lazy Saviour. This is Duke's most direct, even accessible album to date, but it loses none of the drama, the twists and turns that have characterised his earlier work. I remember early gigs in which he upstaged supposedly more established and proficient acts for whom he was opening in a whirlwind of wonderful songs and energetic performances. This is the album which, at last, sees him fully realise his potential in the studio to go alongside that. These songs showcase all that is great about Duke Special, a wonderful, lilting, lyrical vocal performance  sits atop production which encompasses both space and the kitchen sink in bringing the songs, and the world which Duke and his team have created, fully to life.

This is a great record. You will fall in love with it, and with Duke Special, if you just give yourself the chance. Hear it now.