THE DUKE SPIRIT @ The El Rey Theater (09/01/09)

i had only heard (repeatedly for that matter) one song from the duke spirit. an acoustic version of "Wooden Heart" which was quite different from their usual sound. this was more than two years ago and honestly never gave them a second thought because their acoustic wooden heart was just what i wanted from this band. nothing more or less. cut to present day specifically the first of september and they're playing at the el rey theater. which is almost across the street from my place of employment. not only was proximity a factor but the opening band for the evening was band of skulls and if there was anything that i felt more about that evening it was going to be band of skulls. i'll be honest band of skulls killed it that night. it wasn't fair for the duke spirit as they were a tough act to follow (at least for my tastes anyway). at the end of the evening i was intrigued by the duke spirit. i got their album. so i suppose the purpose of the concert worked. i left the theater wanting more. more because i didn't really enjoy the show. i don't want to be too critical but from this to that i didn't understand what she was singing about..i couldn't follow the music. all the right elements were there just not on the same wavelength. maybe too much so that destructive interference occurred. the duke spirit just finished a world tour opening for incubus the el rey theater is not the venue as those they just played at probably a third of their usual but they played like i was a stadium away (way too loud...which in some cases can break the concert going experience). not loud that a pair of earplugs could remedy but walking outside back to the parking garage onto the 101, exiting, parking space 9, apartment number 9, pressing play on the untitled playlist 8 any song on their new album "neptune" (specifically wooden heart, this ship was built to last) headphones in would suffice if not succeed in the duke spirit listening experience. i won't say i won't go to another of their concerts because their music is really really good. i would just to make sure the venue fits their music. nothing bigger than the wiltern but not smaller than the fonda (just in my humbled opinion).

enjoy the music.