What a fantastic debut! I don't know what Mr. Duval had been doing with all the songs in his head until he put this album out, but we all can benefit from his decision to let us listen. "Aaron Talked to Bill" and "Walk on the Water" are acoustic gems that make me want to dance with my baby around the back deck in the sun. Oh, but you want something to make you curl your lip and shout along with your fist in the air? Put on "Real Men" or "Fire". Tender? Play the deceptively sweet "Moon". Chilling? How about the imagery and spare instrumentation of "Carnival Girls". Every time Traci Suess hits the harmony on the line "burning away all the sins of the world" the hair stands up on the back of my neck. The title track is the song Bruce Springsteen wishes he had written. I love this album!

CD Review by Lorraine Caron Mark Duval’s “Rhythm of the Rustbelt” “Rhythm of the Rustbelt” is chock full of mature songwriting, wonderfully tasteful arrangements, and naturally pleasing voices. Mark Duval’s songs draw you in, and make listening and pondering the meaning of the songs seem like a most gratifying pastime. Then, when you start singing along, it hits you…“This stuff has it all…it’s genuine AND catchy…thought-provoking AND fun.” And you wonder…“Who IS this guy and where did he come from?” Mark Duval played with punk bands for many years and sometimes that background is apparent in his gruff delivery, especially on the songs “The Fire” and “Real Men Dig Their Own Graves.” But, make no mistake, this is acoustic roots music all the way. The moody, evocative “Carnival Girls” hits you with lines like “Every medicine is a poison, every poison is a medicine. It all depends on how much you’re takin’ and how often you take it again.” “Perfect World” may be the perfect song. With just guitar in the beginning, then voice, then bass and mandolin, the song builds instrumentally as it delivers it’s simple, yet profound message. The song “Come On Down” feels and sounds almost familiar, even on first listen, and includes a killer banjo part. Throughout the album, cello, violin, percussion and clarinet are used sparingly and with great effect. Harmony singer Traci Seuss is feelin’ it, and her parts add even more substance and soul to the sound. This album by Kalamazoo singer/songwriter Mark Duval has found a permanent home on Grassroots, WMUK’s locally-produced acoustic music show.

Rhythm of the Rustbelt is Americana like a cross-country road trip-the soundtrack to a summer sunrise over a dusty, forlorn Route 66. ‘Real Men Dig Their Own Graves’ is a beat-driven, boot-stomper atoned with Duval’s best redition of Tom Waits’ graveled vocals... The album is earthy, candid and nostalgic - everything an Americana album should be.

Nice shuffle groove, my foot started tapping all on it's own. I love the way the acoustic guitars were recorded; just the right amount of air. The guys have been together for awhile and it shows. Very tight. - mrickey Plymouth, Michigan November 12th, 2005