This CD is one of true beauty. I saw these 2 in Cincinnati, OH one night in July, and thought it could be another White Stripes like band, however, upon grabbing a copy of their CD, my mind was blown away, and my ears will never be the same. The different tales of each song get you closer and closer in to the mind of Duenow, and sends you on a musical journey that is not even satisfied by the end of the CD. You are left wanting more, as I was, and can't wait to see what is to come next from Duenow!

Duenow – ‘If You Could Only See What They Are Doing To You’ Zach Duenow and a gang of friends and musicians worked together to create this audio biography inspired by the ex- advertising executive’s life - Albeit up to some point in his late 20’s where he now resides happily with his wife. His biography (written) is a fascinating read and he is just the sort of gentleman who should write a book. He has the wit, humour and intelligence to tell a really good story. However for now the world will have to accept a new story telling format - this CD crammed with snippets and influences from Zach Duenow’s wealth of experiences, sorrows and ideals. This record is chock full of musical styles – the most memorable being folky, country rock, acoustic hip-hop and rap. The latter being showcased fantastically in the Eminem-esque 5 minute epic; ‘Six Packs’ with lines such as; ‘It wasn’t her fault she had me, poor rich girl in a cold sick world’. It builds up over and over again with delightfully charming verses and a dark sense of humour. There is a definite fondness residing deep in the song and that is what really makes it touching. His lyrical abilities wash over into the marvelous, almost tribal; ‘Sneeze’ where he replaces the tag of Mc with a gritty Custom or Puddle OF Mudd style vocal. The laid back harmonica tinged; ‘Peak’ is a really emotional, expressive song with a strong bass line that drives the gentle verses forward. These careful, yet simple structures allow Zach to delve into the dog eat dog world of friendships before reminiscing about old school days long passed but never forgotten in; ‘Second Best’. This track features one of the cleverest musical nuances I have ever witnessed; as the introduction sees the sample sound effect of a basket ball being bounced in a gymnasium morph into the song’s own drum track. The song is a clever lyrical juxtaposition of past, present, family and gym class. Surely it is true of life that even the most unrelated of contexts can intertwine seamlessly. There are plenty of interludes such as; ‘Chewy Uhh’ that break up the album. This will either prove popular or slightly irritating depending on how simplistic you want your listening experience. This isn’t the most instantly manageable record. However I feel that if it had been; this would have been a detraction from it’s very style and point. ‘But’ is another standout song with an addictive county influenced guitar riff – it’s verse filled with vocal hooks to die for. The jazzy and joyful chorus tops off the song – creating a marvelous, musical storytelling experience. I defy you to dislike the sheer melody and heart given off by this and other tracks such as; ‘Disjunct Jimmy’ where lines such as; ‘This hedonistic train crowded with you downtown slaves’ explore the meaning of our often empty, sometimes soulless working lives. While some of the interludes like; ‘The Euphoria Glee Club’ require skipping ‘Vagina’ is a fun brass led little number that is strangely celebratory of that most hallowed and sort after body part. Zach is not only a fine musician, a quirky character and an intelligent writer he also has a great attention for detail. This is most notable in the wonderfully concise, disturbingly illustrated and generous artwork. ‘The Living Dollar’ ‘I’ve been known to chain myself to trees, I’m just looking for a girl who will chain herself to me’ & ‘I don’t intend to finish last…deep down inside I still wanna fuck the living dollar out of everyone’ is a claver parody bred from his previous goals, routines and desires (which in a video form his website he refers to as ‘his pure life’ before the transition to his new far more meaningful life occurs) and his new ones. ‘If You Could Only See What They Are Doing To You’ is an stirring record; created by an inspirational man who is equal part’s ordinary and extraordinary. It isn’t always a smooth ride but it is a ride you cannot afford to miss. Standout Tacks: ‘Six Packs’, ‘Sneeze’, ‘Second Best’ & ‘But’.