Duke Special - Look Out Machines!

He may have pursued a more conceptual, vaudevillian direction with 2012’s Oh Pioneer!, but Peter Wilson gets back to the business of crafting pure alt. pop on this new Duke Special offering. While this is his first time collaborating heavily during the songwriting process (the likes of Iain Archer, Boo Hewerdine and Dave Izumi contribute), Look Out Machines! is still his most lyrically intimate and direct effort to date, dropping fanciful storytelling for some first-person outpourings. The powerfully resonant ‘In A Dive’, for example, strives to find some spiritual peace in a Belfast torn by religious conflict. From the effervescent ‘Step To The Magical’ to the unbowed confessional closer ‘Domino’, there is much to enjoy here. Pianos still dominate, but it is the preponderance of ‘80s synths that give Look Out Machines! its musical identity. There is also a leaning towards musicals apparent throughout. So opener ‘Wingman’ is a flighty, grand start and the title-track could soundtrack a montage of Olympic athletes in training. Indeed, half these songs could pop up on a West End stage.
It may be (well) mannered at times, but Look Out Machines! is an enjoyable trip...

Key Track - 'In A Dive'