Duels: The barbarians move in

It’s hard not to hear the spectre of Nick Cave at his most murderous when you listen to Duels. There’s also more than a hint of frustration hidden in between the military-like drums and guitars that shred like razorwire, and that’s probably down to the fact that their debut album sank without trace a few years ago and in ‘08 they’re very much an ambitious bunch who have yet to prove themselves. Much more inventive than their debut, The Barbarians Move In could very well be one of the underground releases of the year. Just don’t call it a comeback.
Key track: ‘Perimeter Fence’