“...these guys are classicists...” Nick Heath Drum Media Magazine, 2005
El Duende features members of some of the best of Sydney’s bands from the last 20 years, including Craven Fops, Godbotherers, Club Ska, Smitten, and Tactics. Amongst the musicians there is a depth of talent and passion and a rich source of song.
The Spanish word “Duende” means “the dark energy which pervades all the best art and music”. Like the intangible term itself , this young Australian band El Duende is difficult to label, but with their mix of classical, jazz and rock instruments and playing styles, evocative songs and sassy expression, they have a unique style and an edgy consciousness that draws audiences in. With influences as diverse as Something for Kate, Echo and the Bunnymen, REM, Triffids, flamenco and Roy Orbison, the band formed in late 2002, slowly evolving through regular live performances and recordings of their original material.
Daniel Morphett’s songwriting skills are evident on the debut album, Overcome, released in September 2005. His songs have also been covered by luminaries such as Mick Harvey (Bad Seeds) and James Cruickshank (Cruel Sea).
With a string of performances in popular Sydney venues, including The Hopetoun and the iconic Hollywood Hotel, 2007 sees the recording and release of the band’s second album and performances around the country at pubs, festivals and events.
El Duende are:
Daniel Morphett – Vocals & Guitar (Songwriter)
Gary Manley – Bass, Guitar
Catherine Smith – Drums
Christian Rosenmai – Violin
Virgil Reality - Trumpet
Further info: http://www.el-duende.com/
http://www.myspace.com/elduendesydney
“Gorgeous debut album…overwhelmingly sensual…the overall effect creates a breathtaking grandeur, like arriving at the top of a mountain on a clear-skied day”. Kieran Carroll, 2005
Full Review:
El Duende cannot fail to make a mark on your heart. Their warm, gentle brand of deep voiced balladeering and rustic romanticism successfully avoids all the country cliches of rivers, sunsets and winding roads, and instead delves into how relationships can soar and why love is so important. Not completely new territory you might say, but El Duende know how to rewind the story and give their themes renewed vigour and wide-eyed wonderment.
Led by the distinctive, soothing tones of singer/songwriter Daniel Morphett and backed impeccably by a group with enough sensitivity to give the words and voice breathing space, the cumulative effect is both charismatic and intoxicating.
El Duende are a result of time; a realization that good work can happen with the recklessness of youth but can be so much stronger through quieter, mature insights. From the ashes and on-goings of Sydney underground favourites Tactics, Crow, The Craven Fops and The Cannanes, there is a well-travelled worldliness about this music embedded in the personal - but a personal that strikes into the universal.
The third song 'Dum Dum' from their gorgeous debut album Overcome (Reverberation) and the overwhelmingly sensual centre-piece 'Spanish' may best illustrate their sound and vision. They are victory songs of sorts, arriving at a time in one's life, where love finally falls into place. With warm strolling bass lines, rousing choruses, romantic lyrics and subtle, effective use of violin and trumpet, the overall effect creates a breathtaking grandeur like arriving at the top of a mountain on a clear skied day. From the opener 'Sing To Me' to the closing reprise, Overcome is rather like a necklace of consistent pearls attracting more attention with each subsequent wearing.
As good as Overcome is however, one feels that there are even better records ahead for El Duende. Drenched as they are in the knowledge of what makes a strong, lyrical song, it is still early days for them. Morphett's diligent, evolving songwriting is already on display with many new songs working their way into the band's live set. Up to this point, they haven't ventured out of Sydney, something which will be changing towards the end of this year with interstate touring. This is a music of both longevity and timelessness where fashion trends are irrelevant that deserves a large audience.
For followers of such artists as Elliot Smith or Ron Sexsmith or on a local level, the lost too early Triffids or Blackeyed Susans, El Duende would feel very comfortable in the aforementioned company.Their terrain is uplifting, hopeful, considered but not dourly so. They make it abundantly clear why songs can instantly make a sad day turn into a slightly happier one and why the road of frail mortality can bring out the most daring truths and finest celebrations. Kieran Carroll – October 2005
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