Duels - The Barbarians Move In (This Is Fake DIY)
3/5
By: Sam Crawford
BUY DOWNLOADAssemble the infantry for battle, fire them up with ancient tales of blood sweat and tears in the name of justice, provoke passionate response from seasoned veterans and fledgling rookies alike.....insert Duels album, press play.
The Barbarians Move In has high ambitions and grand ideas. Duels are taking the epic route, which means lavish soundscapes, lofty embellishments, eloquent subtleties and plenty of emotion. It's a daunting task, which they deserve credit for undertaking.
The album starts with The Furies, a marching beat full of dreamy qualities, with a vocal melody that's reminiscent of 'Trophy' by Bat For Lashes. It's full of mystique and majestic feeling, but it doesn't really seem to go anywhere, and for all the fuss it makes it feels rather banal. 'Sleeping Giants' is more of the same, with progressive drum beats which build into a predictable crescendo.
'Regeneration' does a better job at creating some sort of emotional excitement. With a Muse style modulated guitar riff and vocals that sound like Maynard James Keenan, this track throws a few more punches, and the backing vocals similar to Pink Floyd's 'Brick In The Wall' also help stop this song becoming too dreary.
'The Healing' is the highlight of the album. Although it contains the same simple marching beat that the rest of the journey holds, the serene leading piano and enchanting backing vocals really bring the best colours out in this tune. 'The Wild Hunt' holds its own too with the subtle vocals in the background again lifting this song.
The songs on The Barbarians Move In all follow the same structure and trudge along, with them throwing every sound they can at them to elevate suspense and emotion, but none of it sticks, and it feels quite empty. It makes me think of what Muse might sound like if you asked them to play something nice for your grandma. Duels do wage an epic battle, but one that is long, drawn out and struggles to serve a purpose.
Artists in this article: Duels
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