THE DUKES OF PORTLAND hail from Northwich, Cheshire, the same neck of the woods as longstanding W&H faves Karma Destination. Stylistically, the two bands are entirely distinct, though these two top-quality, self-released EPS suggest that the Dukes ought to be following KD out of the unsigned wilderness before long if there's any justice left in this weird world.
The "First Fruits" EP actually dates from 2004, but it's well worth visiting the band's website (www.dukesofportland.com ) to check it out. The opening "Ice Cream Melody" is a charming, amusing a capella introduction, but it's with "Bikes And Dykes" that the Dukes' sound really comes into play. It's a winning, semi-acoustic track with strains of both Shack and the Great Northwestern Hoboes as well as a touch of James Yorkston in the acoustic guitar and Ian Thompson's piano adding a further dimension.
The remainder of the EP confirms the positive impression. "Oh Loved" is a gentle, mellifluous affair with frontman Henry Elsby showing how well he can command vocally as well as pen a finely-wrought tune. It's framed by accordion and some lovely, liquid Lee Underwood-style guitar from Tom Screen. Closing track "Fruits" is different again, starting fuzzy and distant and then slowly sliding into focus with acoustic guitar, organ and a plodding bass line filling it out nicely. It's slightly opiated and otherworldly, but well-executed and a good way to sign off.
The second EP "Come In No.23?" is of more recent vintage (September 2005) and showcases a band continuing to grow in confidence. The production is very bright and upfront and opening tune "Love Strange" is particularly immediate. Stylistically, there's no great shift in emphasis, but this is stylish, country-tinged pop with delicious Hammond organ from Thompson and a distinct Ryan Adams-style leaning in Elsby's voice.
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It's not the only highpoint, either, for further treats here include "Night Like This" - where Elsby duets with Annali Heywood, who does a nice line in Gillian Welch - and the acoustic'n'jazzy "Waste All Your Energy" where Elsby unleashes some soulful, Jeff Buckley-isms and sounds considerably more natural than most of the current crop doing this into the bargain.
For this writer, though, it's the last two tracks where the Dukes really come into their own. "(Hey) Little Missy" again recalls Ryan Adams' Cardinals with wicked slide from Tom Screen and the band locking into a dirty, Stones-y groove which really suits them, while "Leave The World Behind" is - quietly - a bit of an epic. Initially, you're lulled into thinking it's a Nick Drake-ish pastoral instrumental, but then a splash of cymbals flutters across the horizon and the band swoop in. To be fair, the band rein in the epic ballad tendencies that the song suggests and thanks to an emotive Elsby vocal and more tasteful guitar work from Screen pull of an excellent song.
The good news is that the Dukes are already working on a third EP, and like near neighbours Karma Destination and The Shallow Call, their music demonstrates just how much strength in depth can be found in provincial-based unsigned acts just now. "First Fruits" and "Come In NO.23?" deserve to be the start of something illustrious indeed.
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