Resuscitating The Music Hall
Conveniently bridging the gap between the October release of his forthcoming album 'Songs From the Deep Forest', Duke Special considerately accommodates the needs of those too impatient to wait any longer with the gift of 'Portrait', a single that brings the added bonus of three extra tracks to tide us over till October.
Skilfully uncomplicated and charismatically kitsch, 'Portrait' transports the music hall of days gone back into the here and now embracing the jangle of jaunty piano keys and infusing them with Duke Special's wonderfully lively Northern Irish lilt. 'Portrait' charmingly bounces around capturing the jovial uniqueness of the Irishman who masterfully balances the old with the new; the blissful with the heartbreak, creating a sound that others can only imagine producing. Whilst 'Feel In The Sky' continues with Duke Special cheery disposition, 'Maps' and 'Low' show the compassion behind the singer. Heart wrenchingly raw, both tracks carry added poignancy having been recorded live in Belfast. Bittersweet and hopelessly honest 'Maps' and 'Low's inclusion only act to emphasise the brilliance of Peter Wilson, aka Duke Special, a man whose gracefulness leaves you silently numb with awe.