Sex and Reruns - Matt Duke

You may look at the cover of “Kingdom Underground”, singer Matt Duke’s second album, and think “well this guy looks like he is 17,” but you would be wrong. Despite his endearingly boyish features, 24 year old, Matt Duke has the talent of a man three times that.
In 2006 Matt released his debut album “Winter Child” through Drexel University’s record label Mad Dragon. When listening to his songs, it is hard to tell exactly what genre he is. This is part of what is so appealing about Matt Duke, he has a little bit of everything that is great about music, wrapped up in one package. He also tells it like it is. In the song “Listen to Your Window” off of “Winter Child” he tells the story of someone so infatuated with another person, they sit outside of their house for hours, gazing up toward their window. He also questions the Irish-Catholic upbringing he had, one of his largest influences.
With “Kingdom Underground” his blunt view of the world is not lost. His rich voice, that hasn’t been found since the Rat Pack days, comments on our tendency to lean toward T.V., the medicine cabinet, and alcohol for answers (“Sex and Reruns” and “I’ve Got Atrophy on the Brain.”) However, while these may be heavy subjects, the album never one makes the listener feel down. There is just something about his voice, and his overall bright tone that shows that there is still good in the world. He also draws a lot of his inspiration from classic literature (“Rabbit” and “Kingdom Underground.”)
The tracks I find myself listening to over and over again are “Oysters,” “Tidal Waves,” and “Don’t Ask (For Too Much),” off of his first album; and “Sex and Reruns,” “Rose,” and “Walk It Off.” However, it is really hard to narrow it down. You might also recognize “Rabbit” (from the second album) as a cover that The Maine recently released. However, I would strongly recommend checking out the original.

To check out more of his music and when he’s coming to a town near you go to his myspace at: www.myspace.com/mattduke

-Erin Browne