The Duke Spirit – Roundhouse, London 23/01/08 [Photo Review]

24 January 2008, 10:31 | Written by Rich Thane

(Photos)

As The Duke Spirit prepare for the release of their new album Neptune, the band kick start promotional duties with a very special show deep in the bowels of Camden’s Roundhouse. Treating a handful of competition winners to an hour long set in the venues ‘FREEDM’ studio the band focus mainly, as you would expect, on material from the upcoming release. The sound throughout was ferocious. Storming the stage like a 100mph whirlwind on the triumphant opener ‘Lion Rip’, the PA system struggled to cope with the deep growl bass and cut throat guitars.

You’d be hard pushed to find a more engaging frontwoman than Leila Moss. Prowling the stage like a possessed wild cat, at all times keeping eye contact with us, her prey. A captivating sight. As Morrissey played to a sell out audience upstairs, Leila suggested that they try and drown him out as they stormed into their self appointed theme tune and statement of intent ‘Red Weather’; “On and on, I’m excited by that noise” she howls. And she’s not the only one.

The band are due to play a handful of free shows at Urban Outfitters up and down the country over the next few days, check their myspace page for times and dates. For now though, enjoy the photos.