Album Review: Remnant of a Remnant – Duende!

Duende!’s new album Remnant of a Remnant is a powerful dose of Western psychedelic garage rock. If we consider a remnant of a remnant as something like a family tree, Duende!’s branches might be touching Reverend Horton Heat, Sebadoh, and The White Stripes. Duende! has a flare all its own, though. Jeff Howitt’s gritty crooning voice spotlights this top notch four piece ensemble.

Joel McCune creates a blistering guitar soundscape in “Nueva Fiesta”, a gleeful rollick about finding happiness in love during the destruction of the world. “Nevr To You” is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album. The song is a slow sincere introspection with haunting beauty. Laura Willem (drums) and Jason Worden (bass) also make up one of the best rhythm sections in the area.

When you see Duende! perform live, you had better hope that they don’t play too late in the night. Duende! is not a band you see, then go home and go to bed. Duende! is a band that you see, then you head from the venue to the liquor store to buy some whiskey (don’t bother with a chaser or mixer), head to the loudest house party and dance the rest of the night until you pass out on someone’s dirty couch. If you’re lucky, said party will be playing Duende!

FEATURED TRACK:
“Red Lodge” Duende!

** Pick up Duende!’s Remnant of a Remnant direct from Loco Gnosis Records here.