Paul Roland has
remained a
cherished figure
on the gothic
rock and psychpop
periphery for
30 years now: wider recognition
may have eluded him because,
in strictly musical terms, these
are tricky worlds to reconcile.
Duel, for example – originally
released in 1989 – would have a
fight on its hands in psych-pop
circles with its preponderance of
chugging mainstream metal
guitars and biffy rock drums.
Even a cursory listen, however,
unlocks a treasury of detail and
eloquence far beyond the
capabilities of your standardissue
rock hod carrier.
Inspired in part by
Gormenghast and reflecting
Roland’s lifelong immersion in a
richly imagined Hammer
netherworld of tall shadows, wet
cobblestones and hissing gas
mantles, Duel is populated by
real and imagined grotesques
(Spring Heeled Jack, Nosferatu,
Dr Cream). Roland’s impeccable
narratives are sometimes sold
short by an agrarian rock setting,
but the gloomy Dr Phibes organ
of Nosferatu holds up beautifully.
Above all, the formal,
baroque instrumentation of
Menagerie and Reptile House
creates the antiquated yet
timeless ambience his songs
deserve. Roland’s diffident vocals
recall Al Stewart on The Crimes
Of Dr Cream – Year Of The Cat
written in poison pen – and
mutual admirer Robyn Hitchcock
on bonus track Madame
Guillotine, one of nine on this
remastered reissue.
