What separates undiscovered talent from ordinary bands trying to make it big? A little bit of magic. It is with great will power that I refrain from littering this article with references to everyone from Queen and Zeppelin to the Jackson Five. Not because this band of brothers replicates the sounds of bands that precede them; not because there’s a lack of words to describe the soulful heart-thumping music, but because I want to convey the grandeur this group of musicians inspires.
Soundly embedded in the Richmond music scene is a band so insightful, majestic and passionate you’ll scarcely believe they’ve just finished puberty. Duchess of York is creating a rumbling in Virginia that has music fans coming out of the woodwork and giving them a new band to idolize. I am one of those adoring fans. Hearing Duchess’ music for the first time a year ago instantly made me a life-long fan-I’m talking stick with them through thick and thin, die hard, scream at the top of my lungs and make no apologies fan. That ability to capture adoration and devotion with music alone is the magic that Michael York, Austin York and Jacob Shank possess.
When these magicians join forces, they conjure music that could have easily filled the entire “Almost Famous” soundtrack-Elton John or no Elton John. They are a wonderful mix of old school rock, reggae, glam and metal. With compelling ballads like “Half Moon,” where vocalist Michael York croons, “If you want me to stay, I think I’ll quietly go.” They even channel the late Johnny Cash with poignancy not often doable by people of their age. On the anthem-inspiring “Little Boom Box,” – which could easily be the next “We Will Rock You,” blasting before sporting events from now until eternity – Duchess of York switches gears completely. They pound out a hard-hitting and undeniably cool track-the likes of which they’re most known for. But it’s on one of the band’s title song for their upcoming album “United By Colors,” that they showcase their talent as musicians most profoundly.
This masterpiece of no certain standing begins with sweet repetitive guitar licks that are quietly interrupted by a smooth, jazzy overlay. It’s then that Michael begins his daunting, nursery rhyme drone in a manner that is exclusively his. He sings of sociability, virtuosity and Timbuktu without skipping a beat.
Even at a stage so early in their lives and career, the members of Duchess of York pained, love-struck lyrics carry a maturity that easily masks their youth. In songs with lyrics both intimate and important, Duchess is solely about the music. With the band’s pension for unexpected timing and apparent musical capability, there are no tricks, falters or pretentious drum solos. Duchess of York just serves fans the artfully created rhythms that have built the band of tomorrow its unwavering following.
Download (don’t steal): “United By Colors” by Duchess of York