Originally written by Raziq Rauf · 14 March 2005
Marmaduke Duke
The Magnificent Duke
Label: Captains of Industry Release Date: 14/03/2005
Bemusing, is the word that strikes me upon listening to this record. If this concept album seems shrouded in fantasy from the off, it's because that is the intention of the powers that be.
Fuelled in abstract fashion by dichotomy after crazy mad dance beat, this album flows and correlates like a magical and mysterious tumult. Frequently, the wonderful spasmodic screeches of ‘Jorge' linger long after he's shut his gob.
Yes, this is very strange.
Casting only 4000 copies of this album is surely a travesty.
Listing prog and metal influences in equal measure, there is more than just a nod to Mr. Bungle here. (You might even be able to imagine Zippy and George mooching around in the background.) Robots cannot make music like this, for it requires a certain amount of deviance and aptitude to merely think about producing such a crazy, crazy thing.
Oh, how you will celebrate the day you stumble upon this magnificent record.
• 8 Raziq Rauf's Score