Duke & The Dry Cleaners – Revolving Doors (2020)
Initially, a solo music project by lead vocalist Oli Duke, Duke & The Dry Cleaners progressed into a jazz-infused quintet from London; I use the term ‘jazz’ loosely because this group is definitely genre-defying. Combining the talents of emerging jazz musicians, Duke and his crew forge forward with a unique funk meets jazz meets disco meets indie-rock sound. Despite being a rather new band formed in April 2020, these talented artists are receiving critical acclaim from notable press like Music Crowns, Music Trails, FV Music Blog and Mogg Blog (to name but a few) building a following on an international scale. Known as an energetic band with engaging lyricism, moving melodies and sensational performances, Duke & The Dry Cleaners are certainly making waves on the UK music scene. The latest addition to their well-received discography is the single ‘Revolving Door’.
A follow-up to the critically acclaimed single ‘Now We’re Cooking’, ‘Revolving Door’ takes one back to the 1970s/1980s pop and funk-rock scene. With a strong likeness to the iconic Kool & The Gang, Duke & The Dry Cleaners lay emotive lyricism across a toe-tapping melody. While each element contributes to a groovy, infectious sound in ‘Revolving Door’, it is Duke’s rich vocals that pulls everything together.
While this infectious tune can grab your attention with the instrumentation alone, the lyricism contributes to poignancy in the track. Discussing issues of mental health, one would imagine something far more sombre; however, ‘Revolving Door’ focuses on hopefulness, optimism and joy for a better future with upbeat, danceable vibes. Due’s robust and warm vocals do play a role in pulling all elements together, but it has to be said that each instrument plays a role in the overall sincerity and genuineness of the song.
“I wrote this song during a period when my mental health was suffering, almost at its worst. The song breathed life back into me, reminded me why I love music so much and gave me hope. It was a project to give me purpose, and that was to share a feeling of camaraderie and love with anyone who gets to a place from which it seems impossible to escape. To just keep going. On and on. It will get better and when it does there is dancing to be done.” – Oli Duke on ‘Revolving Doors’
Side note: two versions of ‘Revolving Doors’ have been released – one a radio edit and the other a, well, unedited version. If you enjoy sax solos then I recommend listening to the longer option. As a huge fan of Chicago, I find the incorporation of a saxophone with funk-rock vocals highly enjoyable and worth an additional two minutes. In fact, even if you aren’t a fan of longer solos I suggest you give it a go – you won’t be disappointed!
For more from Duke & The Dry Cleaners check out their official website, Facebook and Spotify.
