Duke Keats, along with his talented band, offers listeners a riveting and unconventional journey through the enigmatic world of Hollywood in their 4-track EP, “Dirty Glamour.” Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, including King Crimson, Sonic Youth, Portishead, and The Smiths, this record is a melting pot of sonic genres, ranging from alt-rock and art-rock to neo-psychedelia, noise rock, stoner rock, funk, jazz, and progressive rock.
The EP explores the timeless allure and the dark underbelly of Hollywood, touching on themes of fame, illusion, and the anxieties lurking behind the silver screen. “Dirty Glamour” maintains an unpolished, lo-fi quality that reinforces the raw, gritty nature of the live-recorded music.
The journey commences with “Skid Row,” the introductory track that begins with playful guitar riffs that gradually turns with resounding bass lines, and dynamic drums. And we hop into the tumultuous world of an aspiring actress who struggles with anxiety, fear, and paranoia, all portrayed through dramatic vocals and instrumentals.
“Again” delves deeper into the darkness of Hollywood, using the word ‘again’ to underscore the recurring fear of being abused providing an eerie sense of déjà vu. The splashing cymbals with the funky and sexy saxophone sound create a cinematic, chill nightclub ambiance, reminiscent of a noir film with the rain symbolism and Kubrick movie allegory.
“Dirty Glamour,”is a musical journey through the heart of cinema, a place where dreams and nightmares collide. Duke Keats proves to be a captivating storyteller, as he invites listeners to explore the uncharted corners of Tinseltown’s history and myth.
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Photo Credit: Eugene Ireland, Josh Gaskell, Robert Barrett
Review By: Naomi Joan