C DUNCAN | LIVE REVIEW
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Tue 9 May
I admit it, I’m a pushover for a pretty song, and C (short for Christopher) Duncan is already a master at them. This 27-year-old Glaswegian has already played Wales’ Festival No. 6 and opened for Elbow on their spring tour this year. Duncan has musical ability coded into his DNA, both parents being classical musicians, and graduated from the now Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland His debut album Architect was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2015, and latest release Midnight Sun is where most of his material came from tonight.
He reminds me of a mix of mellow OMD and Air, and sometimes an even more out-there Enya. His latest record is more electronic and in some ways, more melancholic than Architect, but still has the lush multi-layering of music and voice and intricate arrangements. His compositions are some of the most captivatingly exquisite ones I’ve ever heard.
This is mood music at the highest level and in bringing along a guitarist (Andrew), bassist (Luis) and drummer (Liam), Duncan was almost able to duplicate what he made in his bedroom studio. They all provided delicate vocals, too. Do I Hear?, a lulling song about being yourself and embracing your quirks, sexuality and character, is Burt Bacharach on a chill pill. The wonderful Say was machine handclaps and Oriental-like guitar and bass funk.
On Course, full of dreamy synth beats and organ, particularly showcased Duncan’s breathy falsetto. The Other Side started with a sombre keyboard sound, then morphs into magic with arpeggio synth bursts. Both were made even more special by the addition of nice guitar work. A song about childhood rivalry with his brother, Who Lost, is another soothing work and Last To Leave, loosely based on Edelweiss from The Sound Of Music, tells of the relationship progression with an ex.
The multi-instrumentalist stepped away from his keyboard a few times and took up an acoustic guitar. He went solo with that on Castle Walls while the rest of the band also contributed angelic harmonies. He continued on acoustic into Silence And Air, which brought more amazing choir-like singing and especially delightful guitar playing from Luis.
I did have to Google info for subject material from Duncan’s words online because it is a bit maddening to understand his lyrics – à la the Cocteau Twins (like me, he‘s a big fan). While this almost dozen-set was about right, I think there would have to be more going on onstage for a longer show. I can’t see and wouldn’t want Duncan adding too many embellishments, though. His work is exceptional and needs to be experienced in locations other than noisy rooms. Be sure to encounter the wonder of C Duncan like we did tonight and float away to another zone between light and shadow, reality and fantasy.
words RHONDA LEE REALI photo SNAPROCKANDPOP