Largely born out of boredom, side-projects are a notoriously distasteful affair. Full of musical gluttony and chock full of filler, they’re a tawdry waste of time. However Marmaduke Duke (featuring Simon from Biffy Clyro and JP from Sucioperro) buck that trend like their lives depended on it with Duke Pandemonium, their second installment in a planned trilogy. Featuring salsa rhythms, squeaky keyboards and new wave beats, the album is an exciting exploration with the band getting their freak on with wild abandon (‘Music Show,’ ‘Rubber Lover’). Equal parts The Clash circa Sandinista, Billy Joel and Public Enemy, Duke Pandemonium is a fun record that buzzes with invention every time you press play. All in all, it’s a welcome surprise.

Key Track: ‘Kid Gloves’