Once upon a time I was just a young teenager with bad hair and a glint in my eye when one day I stumbled across a beer like no other. The Year 9 History trip to Belgium was a special time in my life. I had a crush on a girl named Becky, I knew a little bit about history and I was in a foreign land. Good times. I cannot remember exactly why one of the history teachers shared a taste of his beer with me. Maybe it is best the mind blacks out certain details but I do remember that beer. It was called Duval. Well now I am the history teacher and it is my turn to share. Unfortunately, despite all the best technological advancement, I am unable to share Duval beer with you today, instead I offer you The Duvals. I was secretly hoping that they were a tribute band to one of my favourite beers. It turns out that The Duvals are made up of the Duval brothers.
This two piece French electro-punk rock group offer a distinctive sound that echos from my laptop like a grandiose piece of pop drama. The songs are carefully crafted and perfectly packaged within a satisfying EP, suitably entitled 'A Journey In My Head'. While listening to it, I get instant flashbacks of groups like Terris and Kent.
My introduction does not to justice to The Duval brothers as it is full of the rather dull trivia of my life. Philippe and Laurent Duval have lived for music since early childhood. While I was blowing out a half hearted attempt at 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the recorder, the brothers were establishing themselves in the world of artisans and artists. Their studies took them from the Parisian clubs to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in America.
Touring across the United States and Europe has apparently honed their dramatic style of musical performance and, although I've never attended a live show, I've heard they are memorable occasions. Listening to the EP, it is easy to believe that their stage performances are full of energy.
One of the highlights from the five track EP is 'Just A Lie', which is a fine example of synth-rock and bring to mind the operatic singing style of the late, great Freddie Mercury. Another song I enjoyed was the title track, 'A Journey In My Head'.
My one criticism is the lack of French lyrics. I love the sound of the French language and would have appreciated a touch of European class being added to the EP, which is clearly influenced by the New York punk scene.
Ultimately, it takes a very special band to excite the heart of this old folky and whether the Duvals have what it takes to survive the harsh conditions of my iTunes library, I cannot say at this moment in time. But for now, I am loving the clashing sound of the guitar against the keyboard, aided the unique and varying vocals of Philippe Duval. Like too many Duval beers, I fear that this band may make your head spin for a while, but there is always the risk that the morning after won't be so pretty.
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