The intimacy of an in-store performance is always something of a special occasion and when a band comes to our favorite little record café you know we’re going to be in for a treat.
Following their previous nights performance at London’s Rough Trade this evening saw the Duke Spirit arrive to promote the release of their fourth full length release “Kin” which features an array of special guests including Sam Windett from Archie Bronson Outfit, long time collaborator Simon Raymonde and the gravelly voice of Mark Lanegan.
Tonight though was all about the Duke Spirit themselves and whilst in store performances can often be stripped back acoustic affairs, this one had more the feel of an actual gig about it with the band performing several tracks from previous releases along with a number from the aforementioned “Kin”.
When you’re performing in such close proximity to your fans there’s an instant bond formed, which to some could put more pressure on having to interact with your audience but for front-woman Leila Moss there was no awkwardness but a set filled with natural interaction.
The show was atmospheric with new songs such as “Hands” sitting nicely alongside older numbers, we were also introduced to a track the band had only performed the once prior to this evening whilst on the road for the previous in-stores, however it still sounded as tight as the rest of the set.
As for the venue, the Duke Spirit seemed to love the pie/vinyl combo as much as we do, feeling at home with the vintage décor and having a couple of pastry products lovingly created in their honour – both a play on words of their song titles with “Love is an Unfamiliar Name” being re-branded in meat form as “Love is an Unfamiliar Game“, a subtle play on words but one that not only sounded unusual but was rather delicious too…
Photo Credit: Sam @ Pantha Photography
The Duke Spirit “Kin” is out now, I also had the pleasure of catching up with drummer Olly Betts after the show (interview to follow) rounding off a lovely evening, for when it comes to live music accompanied by hot pie and mash you’re always going to be onto a winning combination.
