The Duel

“The Duel is something that has been off the scene and missed for a very, very long time: a TRUE “old-school” English Punk Rock band that draws it roots straight from the best of the best, the greatest of the greatest; The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Slaughter And The Dogs, X-Ray Specs, The Damned, The UK Subs, and American bands The Ramones and The Dead Boys. The kind of music that we affectionately call “snotty, brash, in your face, grab you by the collar and let you know the time of day, and clean your clock”. This is way over due and I say “it’s about friggin’ time!!!” Read more at : http://www.rockoveramerica.com/?view=Cdreview&id=96”

Mark Lewis - Rock Over America


“This CD is jam packed with hits written by Tara Rez and Andy Thierum.. They are the next Strummer/Jones, Lennon McCartney they are simply great fuckin' songwriters.. Andy rules on bass and keyboards and Tara sounds like she could be Debbie Harry's more punk rock sister.. Sharing Guitar duties are Dave Renegade, Paul Laventhol and Phil Henry Jones while Pumpy is hitting the skins.. A very tight band indeed.. Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" major kicks ass.. The Duel have to be one of the hardest working bands to come out of the UK. They are taking no prisoners and I am very proud of them.. I wish a Majors would get a clue but the Duel are doing a great job spreading the word themselves.. '”

Ginger Coyote - Punk Globe


“The current century already musically surprised people many times, but many punk ’77 / new wave lovers don’t believe that any current music can surprise them, thinking that their music is dead. But the band “The Duel” completely refutes it, carrying THAT initial punk spirit in the 21st century. Actually, while listening to the band’s music the question if it’s primary or secondary music doesn’t appear at all, because this music makes sense of sincerity and reflection of the musicians’ feelings. So, the second band’s album, called “Childish Behavior”, consists of the album CD itself and the bonus CD. The album itself can exactly be called a treasure for any DJ; it consists of incredibly catchy hits of all the musical range, from danceable new wave “Hey Doll” to “punk” ballads like “Dead Rock Stars”... Read more at : http://gravejibes.com/archives/y2009/6-2/the-duel-childish-behavior/”

Pall ‘Nattsol’ Zarutskiy - Grave Jibes Fanzine


“It’s a Sunday night out in the sticks, the temperature has hit sub zero and the recession is biting harder than the weather ever could. If hell ever does freeze over then they will surely rename it Kilmarnock. Yet under these conditions one of the finest punk bands to come out of London in many a year did a hit and run border raid to entertain us. I’m still not sure if this was an act of folly or bloody minded lunacy, but I fuckin’ love them for it. I can’t help but wonder if in hindsight they will think it was worth the hassle though. Before they came on the vast majority of the audience had buggered off. A combination of some catching last buses home and others simply being more interested in the local support bands. Possibly there was also an element of the Duel suffering from ‘You’re not from round these parts’ syndrome. Read more at : http://www.myspace.com/eld1ablo/blog/520535423”

Gaslight - Kilmarnock - El Diablo Fanzine


“I adore Tara Rez ant The Duel are one of my favorite English bands... THE DUEL! She is one of the most supportive and giving people I know... I was so happy that she took a few moments from her schedule to answer some questions for Punk Globe... Be sure to check out FFRUK ... TARA REZ Punk Globe: It has been awhile since we spoke. Can you tell us The Duel line up at present? Tara Rez: Been the same the last couple years! Tara Vox Andy Bass/Keys Dave Guitars Pumpy Drums Punk Globe: Tell me Tara has the band had any releases since we last spoke? Tara Rez: After we released Childish Behaviour, it got picked up by some music industry folk. They liked our songs. We’ve now gone back in the studio to produce some of songs off that for a single release. As you know that last album was made at home... Read more at : http://www.punkglobe.com/tararezinterview0310.html ”

Ginger Coyote - Punk Globe


“The Duel seem admirably unfazed by their status on the AidsBeGone album as stars by default. Tonight they rattle through their spunky, punky anthems with a suitably gung-ho spirit, namedropping Camden Town in much the same way as The Clash used west eleven as their all-purpose locational talisman. Tara Rez, dressed incongruously in a tartan sash - she looks like she's about to introduce the caber tossing finals at the Highland games - presides over the band's stripped-down punkisms with unpretentious charm, while the band seem entirely at home in this venue that's seen more than its share of punks over the years. I'm not sure if the dear old 100 Club has seen anything quite like Angie Bowie before, mind. She's unfailingly enthusiastic, expansive and sassy, ef - All Reviews

“The Duel is something that has been off the scene and missed for a very, very long time: a TRUE “old-school” English Punk Rock band that draws it roots straight from the best of the best, the greatest of the greatest; The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Slaughter And The Dogs, X-Ray Specs, The Damned, The UK Subs, and American bands The Ramones and The Dead Boys. The kind of music that we affectionately call “snotty, brash, in your face, grab you by the collar and let you know the time of day, and clean your clock”. This is way over due and I say “it’s about friggin’ time!!!” Read more at : http://www.rockoveramerica.com/?view=Cdreview&id=96”

Mark Lewis - Rock Over America


“This CD is jam packed with hits written by Tara Rez and Andy Thierum.. They are the next Strummer/Jones, Lennon McCartney they are simply great fuckin' songwriters.. Andy rules on bass and keyboards and Tara sounds like she could be Debbie Harry's more punk rock sister.. Sharing Guitar duties are Dave Renegade, Paul Laventhol and Phil Henry Jones while Pumpy is hitting the skins.. A very tight band indeed.. Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" major kicks ass.. The Duel have to be one of the hardest working bands to come out of the UK. They are taking no prisoners and I am very proud of them.. I wish a Majors would get a clue but the Duel are doing a great job spreading the word themselves.. '”

Ginger Coyote - Punk Globe


“The current century already musically surprised people many times, but many punk ’77 / new wave lovers don’t believe that any current music can surprise them, thinking that their music is dead. But the band “The Duel” completely refutes it, carrying THAT initial punk spirit in the 21st century. Actually, while listening to the band’s music the question if it’s primary or secondary music doesn’t appear at all, because this music makes sense of sincerity and reflection of the musicians’ feelings. So, the second band’s album, called “Childish Behavior”, consists of the album CD itself and the bonus CD. The album itself can exactly be called a treasure for any DJ; it consists of incredibly catchy hits of all the musical range, from danceable new wave “Hey Doll” to “punk” ballads like “Dead Rock Stars”... Read more at : http://gravejibes.com/archives/y2009/6-2/the-duel-childish-behavior/”

Pall ‘Nattsol’ Zarutskiy - Grave Jibes Fanzine


“It’s a Sunday night out in the sticks, the temperature has hit sub zero and the recession is biting harder than the weather ever could. If hell ever does freeze over then they will surely rename it Kilmarnock. Yet under these conditions one of the finest punk bands to come out of London in many a year did a hit and run border raid to entertain us. I’m still not sure if this was an act of folly or bloody minded lunacy, but I fuckin’ love them for it. I can’t help but wonder if in hindsight they will think it was worth the hassle though. Before they came on the vast majority of the audience had buggered off. A combination of some catching last buses home and others simply being more interested in the local support bands. Possibly there was also an element of the Duel suffering from ‘You’re not from round these parts’ syndrome. Read more at : http://www.myspace.com/eld1ablo/blog/520535423”

Gaslight - Kilmarnock - El Diablo Fanzine


“I adore Tara Rez ant The Duel are one of my favorite English bands... THE DUEL! She is one of the most supportive and giving people I know... I was so happy that she took a few moments from her schedule to answer some questions for Punk Globe... Be sure to check out FFRUK ... TARA REZ Punk Globe: It has been awhile since we spoke. Can you tell us The Duel line up at present? Tara Rez: Been the same the last couple years! Tara Vox Andy Bass/Keys Dave Guitars Pumpy Drums Punk Globe: Tell me Tara has the band had any releases since we last spoke? Tara Rez: After we released Childish Behaviour, it got picked up by some music industry folk. They liked our songs. We’ve now gone back in the studio to produce some of songs off that for a single release. As you know that last album was made at home... Read more at : http://www.punkglobe.com/tararezinterview0310.html ”

Ginger Coyote - Punk Globe


“The Duel seem admirably unfazed by their status on the AidsBeGone album as stars by default. Tonight they rattle through their spunky, punky anthems with a suitably gung-ho spirit, namedropping Camden Town in much the same way as The Clash used west eleven as their all-purpose locational talisman. Tara Rez, dressed incongruously in a tartan sash - she looks like she's about to introduce the caber tossing finals at the Highland games - presides over the band's stripped-down punkisms with unpretentious charm, while the band seem entirely at home in this venue that's seen more than its share of punks over the years. I'm not sure if the dear old 100 Club has seen anything quite like Angie Bowie before, mind. She's unfailingly enthusiastic, expansive and sassy, ef - All Reviews

“The Duel is something that has been off the scene and missed for a very, very long time: a TRUE “old-school” English Punk Rock band that draws it roots straight from the best of the best, the greatest of the greatest; The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Slaughter And The Dogs, X-Ray Specs, The Damned, The UK Subs, and American bands The Ramones and The Dead Boys. The kind of music that we affectionately call “snotty, brash, in your face, grab you by the collar and let you know the time of day, and clean your clock”. This is way over due and I say “it’s about friggin’ time!!!” Read more at : http://www.rockoveramerica.com/?view=Cdreview&id=96”

Mark Lewis - Rock Over America


“This CD is jam packed with hits written by Tara Rez and Andy Thierum.. They are the next Strummer/Jones, Lennon McCartney they are simply great fuckin' songwriters.. Andy rules on bass and keyboards and Tara sounds like she could be Debbie Harry's more punk rock sister.. Sharing Guitar duties are Dave Renegade, Paul Laventhol and Phil Henry Jones while Pumpy is hitting the skins.. A very tight band indeed.. Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" major kicks ass.. The Duel have to be one of the hardest working bands to come out of the UK. They are taking no prisoners and I am very proud of them.. I wish a Majors would get a clue but the Duel are doing a great job spreading the word themselves.. '”

Ginger Coyote - Punk Globe


“The current century already musically surprised people many times, but many punk ’77 / new wave lovers don’t believe that any current music can surprise them, thinking that their music is dead. But the band “The Duel” completely refutes it, carrying THAT initial punk spirit in the 21st century. Actually, while listening to the band’s music the question if it’s primary or secondary music doesn’t appear at all, because this music makes sense of sincerity and reflection of the musicians’ feelings. So, the second band’s album, called “Childish Behavior”, consists of the album CD itself and the bonus CD. The album itself can exactly be called a treasure for any DJ; it consists of incredibly catchy hits of all the musical range, from danceable new wave “Hey Doll” to “punk” ballads like “Dead Rock Stars”... Read more at : http://gravejibes.com/archives/y2009/6-2/the-duel-childish-behavior/”

Pall ‘Nattsol’ Zarutskiy - Grave Jibes Fanzine


“It’s a Sunday night out in the sticks, the temperature has hit sub zero and the recession is biting harder than the weather ever could. If hell ever does freeze over then they will surely rename it Kilmarnock. Yet under these conditions one of the finest punk bands to come out of London in many a year did a hit and run border raid to entertain us. I’m still not sure if this was an act of folly or bloody minded lunacy, but I fuckin’ love them for it. I can’t help but wonder if in hindsight they will think it was worth the hassle though. Before they came on the vast majority of the audience had buggered off. A combination of some catching last buses home and others simply being more interested in the local support bands. Possibly there was also an element of the Duel suffering from ‘You’re not from round these parts’ syndrome. Read more at : http://www.myspace.com/eld1ablo/blog/520535423”

Gaslight - Kilmarnock - El Diablo Fanzine


“I adore Tara Rez ant The Duel are one of my favorite English bands... THE DUEL! She is one of the most supportive and giving people I know... I was so happy that she took a few moments from her schedule to answer some questions for Punk Globe... Be sure to check out FFRUK ... TARA REZ Punk Globe: It has been awhile since we spoke. Can you tell us The Duel line up at present? Tara Rez: Been the same the last couple years! Tara Vox Andy Bass/Keys Dave Guitars Pumpy Drums Punk Globe: Tell me Tara has the band had any releases since we last spoke? Tara Rez: After we released Childish Behaviour, it got picked up by some music industry folk. They liked our songs. We’ve now gone back in the studio to produce some of songs off that for a single release. As you know that last album was made at home... Read more at : http://www.punkglobe.com/tararezinterview0310.html ”

Ginger Coyote - Punk Globe


“The Duel seem admirably unfazed by their status on the AidsBeGone album as stars by default. Tonight they rattle through their spunky, punky anthems with a suitably gung-ho spirit, namedropping Camden Town in much the same way as The Clash used west eleven as their all-purpose locational talisman. Tara Rez, dressed incongruously in a tartan sash - she looks like she's about to introduce the caber tossing finals at the Highland games - presides over the band's stripped-down punkisms with unpretentious charm, while the band seem entirely at home in this venue that's seen more than its share of punks over the years. I'm not sure if the dear old 100 Club has seen anything quite like Angie Bowie before, mind. She's unfailingly enthusiastic, expansive and sassy, ef - All Reviews

Classic punk band opens album with a song entitled 'Camden Town" - sounds about as
original as lime green liberty spikes outside Camden tube really doesn't it? Somehow
though The Duel pull this off - perhaps because they manage to balance righteous political angst
and couldn"t-give-a-shit actually effortless cool in a manner which no-one has
succeeded in imitating quite so well since the 70s.

In addition to having an undeniable knack for Vice Squad style charged guitar
and clattering percussion (heck, they even get away with a cover of 'Pet Semetary'!)
on the likes of 'Bigger Bombs Better Drugs'. they're not afraid to venture outside of the
template. 'Haunted House' is one mid- record curve ball led by a slow-creeping beat
and hung with slinky keyboards and atmospherics and sexily putted saucy lyrics from
deceptively hard-edged frontwoman Tara Rez.

Rather than dwelling in the past 'Let's Finish What We Started' is an alternative
future, which picks up from punk's golden days like the Green Days of this world never
were. And that's a worthy mission indeed. - Bubble Gum slut Magazine

Republica meets Helen Love meets the Clash -there you have it.

Camden Town based 'The Duel' are on target with this demo. Female fronted aggresive vocals but still tuneful.

An eleven song album with a bit of variety (like a male fronted song) and we coudl be onto something folks/ - BIG CHEESE MAGAZINE

It's not long into this secondary effort by London Punkers The Duel that arunning theme emerges. Frontwoman Tara Rez is thoroughly pissed off with the bullshit of modern life - the technology ('Modern day Slaves'), the politics(obligatory war song, um War) - the lot. Her solution to relieve the pressure? A little Childish Behaviour, as for all its political posturing this is an album with a great sense of fun and imagination about it.
Don't be fooled by their classic leather jackets and skinnies worn since the first time they were in fashion though, nor thier close ties to many of pink's elder statesmen, The Duel are not one of those tiresome bands stuck in a '77 rut, escaping froma resented present day into nostalgia. If they're pointed anywhere it's to a better future, expressed on the suitably space age '21st Century', whish pushes the prescribed conventions of thier classic punk template with it's unexpected keyboard melodies. The theme carries through into 'Solitary Life On Mars', where Tara tries on the pouting poise and polish of 'Debbie Harry' in her prime, and onto largely acoustic bonus CD (again who, that's seen thier Spit 'n' Pistols live show at least, woulda thunk?), where we find 'Ashes to Ashes'. All in all it's a worthy follow up on the promises made by the pleasingly varied debut 'Let's Finish What We Started' - BUBBLEGUM SLUT

When I was presented with the Duel's debut album (Produced bt Pat Collier - Vibrators) "Let's Finish What We Started" I was not sure what to expect. I see many bands few have anything to offer, many obviously dont. The majority seem lacking substance, they may look good but offer nothing that has not been seen countless times before. The Duel however are a rare exception, this band has credibilty and tunes that force themselves in to your consciousness. The band has been in existence since 2001 however Tara (Singer / Lyrics) and Andy (Bass / Music) have been writing together for years before that.

This is London and the World as seen through their eyes:
“Another beautiful day
Walking the streets of Camden
Another beautiful day
Beautiful people, beautiful smiles
.....Hell is it!
Another beautiful day......for who?!”

From the opening track "Camden Town" through to the finale of "Better Bombs Better Drugs", you realise that Tara (lead vocals/lyrics) dosen't just live in this world - but is sensitive to it - and is troubled by what she sees. Jas (guitarist): Camden Town "relates to everyone pretty much, just makes more sense to sing Camden Town and not Toronta". Tara: "I have been writing since I was nine. Its too hard just simply tryin to survive these days - too much injustice and too many no entry signs here there n everywhere to dissolude" She has that ability to capture the time and place in which she exists and shove it down your throat when you are not expecting it. Tara: "this world is in a mess, and it really saddens me that we made it that way." For Tara, Punk is freedom to express herself: "punk means freedom to me, an attitude - dont have to try and be anyone but myself - anything else would be fake and pointless .I'm just another foolish singer/songwriter at the end of the day whose mind has maybe had to be opened too much too soon".

Tara's co-conspirator is Andy Thierum, Tara: "within the first hour of meeting we were sitting down making music / writing songs - we knew pretty much instantly that we had found what we were looking for in a person in terms of what we were both craving musically to create". Andy is a dark figure on stage, he is seen lurking by his amp, almost lost in his own world. But there is something about this man, anger? frustration? obviously an edge I can't gain access to. Andy: "i tend to have my own take on 77, fashion/clothes mostly cus its what i feel most comfortable in and can relate to the most." He gives Tara's lyrics the engine that drives them into your brain. Andy: "i guess i dont nesseceraly follow the traditional songwriting guidelines that seem to set a presidance for "punk music", usually with a bottle of vodka i will come out with a bassline or somethin, Tara will start scriblling". It seems to me that all great song writing partnerships have tension in them and Tara and Andy have plenty. What results is something few achieve, and it is what makes the Duel important and credible. Even the name Duel comments on this unique songwriting partnership Andy: "that would be me and Tara either getting along great pals or fighting like gunfighters in the street cat & dog ..brother & sister..." Tara: "we both knew in a way (I THINK) that as much as we could not agree or get on in this life - song writing wise it was the complete opposite."



The Duel appear to use the sexuality of the vocalist to get them noticed Tara: "i actually stopped wearing minis on stage = cos some blokes all they did was stand right up close nr the stage and blatantly just be looking up my skirt - id be on stage getting pissed off that they didn’t give a fuck bout the songs - felt like kicking them !!" (echos of Siouxsie from back in the day). For the Duel though, what they do when they have your attention is the substance that few Pop-Punk bands these days ever achieve. But dont be fooled, Tara is not putting on a pose for the stage, as Jas (guitarist) says: "I don't really think we do (use sexuality), our song Haunted House has total sex appeal and is a great tune (one of the best I think) Tara looks the way she does when she goes to the supermarket, it's just her look nothing else." Andy: "We are poseurs at times maybe, but hope people are not so shallow they cant look past her sexyness or our clothes to see the substance underneath?"

So called Punk bands today often appear to fail to recognise or even acknowledge the importance of bands like the Sex Pistols, Ramones and the New York Dolls and all those who layed the foundation stone of what they claim to be. Andy: "they're liars or pop punk arseholes who wear Ramones shirts cus they think that Ramones is a trendy clothing company..." Chatting to Jas after a recent show we natter about the Punk Leagacy as he picks out Ramones and Dolls classics Jas: "I grew up on Johnny Thunders and the Dead Boys and the Dolls so I guess I'm more the rock n roll part, ha, who knows, it's just the music we all like, some call it - Distorted Magazine

THE DUEL
Friday 7 Nov 08.
Hobbits, Weston Super Mare, UK.

Show Review By: Rick Graham - Clevedon, U.K. 4 http://www.punkglobe.com


On arrival all seemed quiet, just a few people drinking at the bar. This was 9pm. The Duel came on stage soon after. They seemed nervous due to a small crowd. Tara Rez the lead singer shuffled to the front of the stage and announced the first song, "Victory." They tear into it then quickly followed by "Future Revolution."
Audience are warming to them , then a hiccup. The sound seemed to go out of sync. This is quickly sorted though and the band play on. They are more confident and play a ripping set. Tara has warmed up making use of the stage space. She interacts more with us in the crowd, which has grown in size.The band play tight, hard and loud. Blistering guitar sound, rasping yet smooth vocals and all the punk poses and gestures. Highlight for me was a great cover of "Pet Semetary" by the Ramones. They really punked it up, louder and faster. Not an easy task but it worked. Only too soon they are finished but we want more. An awesome set by a great punk rock band of the future.
- Rick Graham

When I was presented with the Duel's debut album (Produced bt Pat Collier - Vibrators) "Let's Finish What We Started" I was not sure what to expect. I see many bands few have anything to offer, many obviously dont. The majority seem lacking substance, they may look good but offer nothing that has not been seen countless times before. The Duel however are a rare exception, this band has credibilty and tunes that force themselves in to your consciousness. The band has been in existence since 2001 however Tara (Singer / Lyrics) and Andy (Bass / Music) have been writing together for years before that.

This is London and the World as seen through their eyes:
“Another beautiful day
Walking the streets of Camden
Another beautiful day
Beautiful people, beautiful smiles
.....Hell is it!
Another beautiful day......for who?!”

From the opening track "Camden Town" through to the finale of "Better Bombs Better Drugs", you realise that Tara (lead vocals/lyrics) dosen't just live in this world - but is sensitive to it - and is troubled by what she sees. Jas (guitarist): Camden Town "relates to everyone pretty much, just makes more sense to sing Camden Town and not Toronta". Tara: "I have been writing since I was nine. Its too hard just simply tryin to survive these days - too much injustice and too many no entry signs here there n everywhere to dissolude" She has that ability to capture the time and place in which she exists and shove it down your throat when you are not expecting it. Tara: "this world is in a mess, and it really saddens me that we made it that way." For Tara, Punk is freedom to express herself: "punk means freedom to me, an attitude - dont have to try and be anyone but myself - anything else would be fake and pointless .I'm just another foolish singer/songwriter at the end of the day whose mind has maybe had to be opened too much too soon".

Tara's co-conspirator is Andy Thierum, Tara: "within the first hour of meeting we were sitting down making music / writing songs - we knew pretty much instantly that we had found what we were looking for in a person in terms of what we were both craving musically to create". Andy is a dark figure on stage, he is seen lurking by his amp, almost lost in his own world. But there is something about this man, anger? frustration? obviously an edge I can't gain access to. Andy: "i tend to have my own take on 77, fashion/clothes mostly cus its what i feel most comfortable in and can relate to the most." He gives Tara's lyrics the engine that drives them into your brain. Andy: "i guess i dont nesseceraly follow the traditional songwriting guidelines that seem to set a presidance for "punk music", usually with a bottle of vodka i will come out with a bassline or somethin, Tara will start scriblling". It seems to me that all great song writing partnerships have tension in them and Tara and Andy have plenty. What results is something few achieve, and it is what makes the Duel important and credible. Even the name Duel comments on this unique songwriting partnership Andy: "that would be me and Tara either getting along great pals or fighting like gunfighters in the street cat & dog ..brother & sister..." Tara: "we both knew in a way (I THINK) that as much as we could not agree or get on in this life - song writing wise it was the complete opposite."



The Duel appear to use the sexuality of the vocalist to get them noticed Tara: "i actually stopped wearing minis on stage = cos some blokes all they did was stand right up close nr the stage and blatantly just be looking up my skirt - id be on stage getting pissed off that they didn’t give a fuck bout the songs - felt like kicking them !!" (echos of Siouxsie from back in the day). For the Duel though, what they do when they have your attention is the substance that few Pop-Punk bands these days ever achieve. But dont be fooled, Tara is not putting on a pose for the stage, as Jas (guitarist) says: "I don't really think we do (use sexuality), our song Haunted House has total sex appeal and is a great tune (one of the best I think) Tara looks the way she does when she goes to the supermarket, it's just her look nothing else." Andy: "We are poseurs at times maybe, but hope people are not so shallow they cant look past her sexyness or our clothes to see the substance underneath?"

So called Punk bands today often appear to fail to recognise or even acknowledge the importance of bands like the Sex Pistols, Ramones and the New York Dolls and all those who layed the foundation stone of what they claim to be. Andy: "they're liars or pop punk arseholes who wear Ramones shirts cus they think that Ramones is a trendy clothing company..." Chatting to Jas after a recent show we natter about the Punk Leagacy as he picks out Ramones and Dolls classics Jas: "I grew up on Johnny Thunders and the Dead Boys and the Dolls so I guess I'm more the rock n roll part, ha, who knows, it's just the music we all like, some call it - Distorted Magazine

A quick review, and a mention that Knox duets with them on a track. Also covers of Pet Sematary and Aint it fun are on it. Well worth checking out

The Duel - Let’s finish what we started (CD)
It’s round one, The bell just rang and a flurry of aural punches has left you bleeding on the canvas. That’s right. It’s all over. The Duel deliver them hard and fast. Packing enough snotty nosed attitude and pop nuance to lay waste to any challenger. Bring them on, and watch the competition fall before them. Each, and every song on this debut will wrestle in your head to lay claim to being your favourite. It’s that good. I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard a band that can lay claim to being 100 percent punk, while still maintaining such a broad spectrum of appeal, but Duel have certainly laid the gauntlet down to anyone who fancies their chances. This is the sound of the underground screaming that we can do anything that the mainstream can come up with. Remember all those bands like Republica, Westworld and Transvision Vamp. The ones who flirted with punk, but if you scratched the surface were just pop bands packaged in rebellion. Well The Duel are the real deal. Scratch them and they will bleed the Pistols. Ramones, Stooges, Dolls, Blondie and the Runaways all over your nice new bondage trousers. (FFR) (www.myspace.com/the duel)



- punk77.co.uk/punktalk

After hearing this album it is going to leave you breathless.
Going back to the old fashion punk style alternative blonde and Souxsie and the banchies sounds, are very evident here and having fun with it.
Their not copying anyone and all the way though the songs, they just throw it all to the recording channels, they really have a lot going on when hearing it.
Tara has that alternative front ladies voice, reminds you of a female John Lydon in places, which is not heard much at the moment. The only other bands that sound simular
but with more short, sharp, shock songs is Hooker from Manchester, but this is refreshing to hear a band with an older sound.
This is not "a song stands out" album, like singles purposly thrown onto the track listing for release, you have to hear the ALBUM as a whole. I would say this is an ALBUM BAND.
There are a couple of songs half way though with slightly different edge when you have guest appearance like rob banks with kind of Max Headroom voice on Dead rock stars and also
song nine sounds a little like the Police, you can hear roxanne in harmoney when the song breaks down to the quiet segments.
They have written and released a 14 track album without breaking a sweat, it sounds fun, control madness with talent with a bit of ska synth in various places
( mainly in the background), easy going and it doesn't sound rushed
Got Andy on the bass, Pumpy on drums, Dave on gutar and Phil Honey on guitar, with a real feast for the ears.
If you looking for a one line description of this band" A punk version of 12 piece orchestra", there is A :LOT going on or appears to be
The second CD and yes a second CD, full of accoustic recordings, got to love the attitude vocals of Tara. Some of the songs on the second CD are accoustic version of the songs on the first CD, but there also some different songs. The band are very diverse here, these guys have got alot of talent and no wonder they have been booked countless times, they certainly make an effort and make no mistake about it they have the passion for it and entertain
This is dam fine album and the punk is kept alive in music like this even today
They steam through 14 songs, just great alternative sound.
If you are into Blonde, the banchees, sex pistols, Curve, peaches,great attitude, great music, makes you dance in the living room or club without a care, this is for you

- DJ Paul ED CMR Magazine -Mar 09

After hearing this album it is going to leave you breathless.
Going back to the old fashion punk style alternative blonde and Souxsie and the banchies sounds, are very evident here and having fun with it.
Their not copying anyone and all the way though the songs, they just throw it all to the recording channels, they really have a lot going on when hearing it.
Tara has that alternative front ladies voice, reminds you of a female John Lydon in places, which is not heard much at the moment. The only other bands that sound simular
but with more short, sharp, shock songs is Hooker from Manchester, but this is refreshing to hear a band with an older sound.
This is not "a song stands out" album, like singles purposly thrown onto the track listing for release, you have to hear the ALBUM as a whole. I would say this is an ALBUM BAND.
There are a couple of songs half way though with slightly different edge when you have guest appearance like rob banks with kind of Max Headroom voice on Dead rock stars and also
song nine sounds a little like the Police, you can hear roxanne in harmoney when the song breaks down to the quiet segments.
They have written and released a 14 track album without breaking a sweat, it sounds fun, control madness with talent with a bit of ska synth in various places
( mainly in the background), easy going and it doesn't sound rushed
Got Andy on the bass, Pumpy on drums, Dave on gutar and Phil Honey on guitar, with a real feast for the ears.
If you looking for a one line description of this band" A punk version of 12 piece orchestra", there is A :LOT going on or appears to be
The second CD and yes a second CD, full of accoustic recordings, got to love the attitude vocals of Tara. Some of the songs on the second CD are accoustic version of the songs on the first CD, but there also some different songs. The band are very diverse here, these guys have got alot of talent and no wonder they have been booked countless times, they certainly make an effort and make no mistake about it they have the passion for it and entertain
This is dam fine album and the punk is kept alive in music like this even today
They steam through 14 songs, just great alternative sound.
If you are into Blonde, the banchees, sex pistols, Curve, peaches,great attitude, great music, makes you dance in the living room or club without a care, this is for you

- DJ Paul ED CMR Magazine -Mar 09