"There Was a Measure" by Duke Keats
Review
Just as I was turning my attention to a crop of new releases which had come out while my attention was on our most recent ‘Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin, I noticed that amidst the high density of current local original music activity, Duke Keats had snuck one of his singles out: this one is called "There Was a Measure"
This is one of the thirteen tracks from his upcoming ‘Avalon' album which is a purely (home recorded) acoustic affair and like most Duke Keats sets of songs bears little obvious resemblance to its predecessor (in this case the songs which made up his ‘Post Internet' EP) and one can only assume that whatever comes next will be a different kettle of fish altogether too.
Bearing in mind that I consider him just as objectively "good" when in the full-on mode which tends to characterise the live performances on which his considerable reputation was first founded and in this more intimate solo format, there is clearly appreciation by at least one person for this breadth of expression (I seriously doubt that I'm the only one). From Duke's point of view, he clearly enjoys being able to express himself in a variety of ways & no doubt like many talented people his threshold of boredom is low when faced with the danger of staying in the same creative mode. It should not be forgotten that it is Duke who does the visuals for covers & videos too: this is probably another expression of his need to keep on creating in diverse manners.
What's it about you ask? Well as with all his songs, I can only surmise, but I think it's concerning reflection or should I say self-reflection. It may also address the issue of narcissism. But I could very easily be wrong.
It's a lush one & there is a xylophone to listen out for too… which I don't often get to write.
