Few artists have the stylistic depth I’ve heard from William Duke. This California native has two distinct personas that come together in a brilliant fusion. The 12-stringed jangle of “It’s Only The Beginning” typifies this first style. It’s a gentle atmospheric pop that The Millenium, Yes and The Moody Blues excelled at. This style culminates with the prog infused instrumentals “30 Ave. Entrance To The Park” and “The Canyon.” The other style is pure early 70’s influenced rock, “The Great Escape”and “A Moment In The Sun”are gorgeous pop tunes similar to Big Star and Bread. Every track is awash in inventive bass lines and minor chord shifts, by the albums mid point the styles intertwine together on “The Impending Happiness” and the lush harmonies of the title track. This is where the “sunrise” meets the “night” – and even though it’s got a retro-sound, when it performed this well, you sit up and take notice.
Duke is originally from alternative pop faves Bye Bye Blackbirds. He takes things up a notch or two here. This is a hauntingly beautiful album that gets every track right. and for fans of the Curt Boettcher style of pop this is a must-buy. Better yet, Kool Kat Musik is offering a 20 song bonus disc with alternate mixes and demo tracks, so get it while it’s still available.
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