Duncan Lloyd - 'Seeing Double' (Warp) Released 06/10/08

Being in a successful band for several years can make releasing solo material a daunting thought and indeed a bold task to take on. However Maximo Park's guitarists Duncan Lloyd has relished in such an opportunity and has released his debut solo album Seeing Double. Duncan allow not the front man has always taken on backing vocal duties as well as lead guitar, and now with this project his talents are centre of stage. Lloyd's capability is evident on the record however the album is lacking in variety, each tune individually sounds great however as an album the material sounds very samey. Its the minuscule details that does actually carry the record from start to finish.
 
'Seven Letters' opens the album with its bouncy guitar riffs and charming beats, his vocal has shades of Chris Martin and the track wouldn't sound a miss on their latest album. 'Seven letters' moves seamlessly into 'Make Our Escape' showing that a change in key is about all that differentiates. 'Make Our Escape' does however have the essence of Maximo Park in its delivery, but with mellower vocals it has an Americano feel to it taking away the North East accent that Maximo Park are renowned for.

'Suzee' is a mischievous love song with its funky hooks and quirky chorus. The vocals show comparisons to Elvis Costello as he sings '...Suzee you do/Suzee you don't..' The simple chorus has marks of The Courteeners with a real sing along vibe that isn't to frequent else where on the record. The uninspiring 'Nightfly' follows and finally the album finds a moment to be glorified with the excellent 'Misfit' which is the strongest track. It's still simple and its still in keeping with the rest of the album, yet the guitar riffs take hold and reminds you of Maximo Park songs such as 'Apply Some Pressure'. That matched with catchy bursts of '...You can't have your way/Not this time/Not today...'. this song is defiantly the rose amongst thorns.
 
The album returns to its lifeless way with 'Victory and Surrender' which on the whole is a good album track but nothing special and easily skipped. 'You Are Partly to Blame' shows some good guitar work however it comes across a bit lengthy where a 3 minute wonder track may have set it up better. The tempo is raised again and very much welcomed with title track 'Seeing Double' but with little in way of catch lyrics or memorable riffs makes it sit on the shelf again. The album is closed with two melancholic Coldplay style tracks  '3 Times Over' and 'Another Chance' which again run into each other in the same way the album opened.

Although the album is a little dull in places there is no denying that Duncan Lloyd has tremendous talent, a strong vocal and outstanding guitarist, unfortunately there is not much in the way of experimentation or uniqueness. Lets hope he grows with experience away from Maximo Park and returns with a belter of a second album.

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