The first conversation I had discussing Duncan Maitland had me continually asking follow up questions one after another realising that although this is a debut album, this man has been around for years, and has created a quite significant body of work to date.
Duncan’s not too sordid past involves working with The Flood in the UK back in 1985, when a move to Ireland had him join Picturehouse in the mid 90’s. Various stints with other bands also include the highly acclaimed Pugwash and writing with XTC also adds another well respected notch or two to his CV. Throughout this period he has received critical and commercial acclaim for his songwriting ability, and with supporting some well known mainstream acts in the process, he was bound to have a few stories to tell and we can happily listen to his musings on this album.
You wouldn’t think Duncan has been around as long to look at him and you definitely wouldn’t think it to talk to him. He has the boyish charm and a humility which is roundly appreciated when discussing any artists work, and happily answers anything when trying to find out what makes him tick, and that makes him different and worth spending time on alone, but its nice to see he has got the musical ability to back himself with this very good album.
The first single ‘Terry the Toad’ is timeless in its delivery and definitely a good track to announce yourself and what the album stands for. Paul McCartney had his frog song so you cannot deny this man a song about a toad. This track has the sometimes dreaded McCartney-influenced “earworm” which leaves you singing the lyric “Everybody’s playing it cool” until you see tomorrow’s cornflakes, but it’s done with such a laid back charm you can’t and wont be at all angry about it. Other very good tracks include ‘Your Century’, ‘Cry Me To Sleep’ and ‘Horror Stories’ with ‘Insect Under The Stone’ the main ambitious attempt to cut his vocal chops in which he prevails extremely well.
The album can be summed up as good modern folk with psychedelic and soft rock tones throughout. It is very ambitious and has bags of ability from start to finish from both the artist and the production team.
You can just hear some of this album on the next big indie film soundtrack as it definitely has that vibe associated with quirky smart movies, and it is a breath of fresh air to any music lovers out there.
Check it.
www.myspace.com/duncanmaitland
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/maitland2
About: Listen to The Squeeze Show hosted by Michael Teehan on www.dublinsouthfm.ie between 9-11pm every Thursday night to hear the latest acts mixed in with your favourite alternative tracks. Email: [email protected] with any queries or requests.