The Duchess and the Duke are a Seattle based band signed to a Sub Pop subsidiary. Though they mine the same atmospheric Americana well as the Band of Horses, unlike their former Seattle brethren, they approach Americana from more of a Johnny and June perspective rather than the Neil Young-MMJ. But that’s not say that the Duchess and Duke make straight up country music. On the contrary their sound is that of the rock and roll. I hear hints of surf rock, honky-tonk, and plain old folk music in their atmospheric laden sound.
The duo of Jesse Lortz and Kimberly Morrison harmonize beautifully throughout as they take turns on lead vocals. Sunset / Sunrise is the sophomore record from the pair, and they seem to have hit on something special. The album has the staying power of Nick Drake’s Pink Moon or Iron & Wine’s The Creek Drank the Cradle. It tends to haunt you after a listening. If that’s your thing, then Sunset / Sunrise is for you.
About the author: Specializes in Dead, Drunk, and Nakedness..... Former College Radio DJ and Current Craft Beer Nerd