The Duke Spirit open for the Eagles of Death Metal tonight in a late show at the 930 Club. I’m not sure why they switched their DC-area concert from headlining the more intimate Ram’s Head in Baltimore to a supporting act at 930, but any chance to see the ‘Spirit is worthwhile in my book.

I can’t say what drew me to buy a copy of the Roll, Spirit, Roll mini-lp back in 2003 at CD Cellar. Maybe it was the woodcut-style cover? The font? I don’t really know, but I’m incredibly glad I did. The Spirit play a fantastic take on swampy, primal indie rock, a la the Gun Club with a mesmerizingly sexy female singer. Leila Moss is a beautiful, writhing presence on stage, alternating between a low, menacing voice to a howling, emotional pleading - similar to, but surpassing in songwriting skill, a British Yeah Yeah Yeahs. [Side note: She said in an interview once that if the band didn't work out, she was going to take the test and become a London cabbie. It's their loss - I can only imagine what that ride would have been like.]

Live, the Duke Spirit are a revelation. Moss commands the stage with co-songwriter and guitarist Luke Ford giving her plenty of room while he and second guitarist Dan Higgins sculpts layers of white noise into insistent, unforgettable melodies. The rhythm section of Toby Butler and Olly Betts alternate between the gentle, almost lullabye like tunes (see “You Were Born inside My Heart”) and the pulse-pounding heart-attack of “Lion Rip” or “Cuts across This Land.” Remarkably, they have yet to hit a slump. Their debut 7″, “Darling, You’re Mean,” the aforementioned mini-lp, Cuts across this Land, their latest lp, Neptune, and all the eps and numerous b-sides and demos have all been spectactular. It’s almost offensive how many good songs they have - even an electronic remix of “The Step and the Walk” works remarkably well.

In an era when too many bands have a handful of over-demo’d songs and are too-early rushed into their debut or sophomore effort, the Spirit have maintained not simply a consistency, but a progression and development that makes their lack of U.S. success befuddling. Regardless, treat yourself, brave the cold. The Spirit is rising.

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