She is the first Nottingham artist to release an album backed by a major label this decade, so the pressure was on NATALIE DUNCAN to deliver with her debut. Thankfully, all expectations are met and exceeded. A melting pot of influences ranging from classical to jazz to soul, ‘Devil in Me’ compositionally sits somewhere between Pink Floyd and Alicia Keys, harnessing bluesy piano with a drop-dead vocal. However it is arguably Miss Duncan’s lyrical prowess that is the standout feature of the album. Few songwriters possess the ability to convey their life story so effortlessly yet it is something this 23 year old has mastered. ‘Devil in Me’ is not just an album; it’s her therapy, each song saturated with personal experience.
Through spine-tingling melodies, intimate lyrics and a voice that could melt the hardest of hearts you are drawn into Natalie’s world, a world where heartbreak and self-destruction battle with hope and optimism. The anguish felt in opening title track ‘Devil in Me’ is tangible, its lyrics exploring the futile resistance to addiction (‘like a dying dog that’s begging for your bone’) set against an almost waltz-like piano accompaniment. The raw vulnerability of the vocals in ‘Villain Hands’, ‘Flower’ and ‘Find Me a Home’ rival those of Dusty Springfield and the retro r&b feel of ‘Keep Her Smiling’ has all the slick stylings of Emilie Sandé. Personal favourite ‘Old Rock’ is Regina Spektor-esque in its approach, the up-tempo melody disguising the torment buried in its meaning. Darkly evocative single ‘Sky is Falling’ has Radio Playlist written all over it, the repeated line ‘Hell I don’t’ channelling a vintage Nina Simone vibe. Although she flirts with an array of influences and genres, ‘Devil in Me’ works as a cohesive whole, each track strengthened by its core influence and held together by Natalie’s flawless storytelling.
There is no doubt that NATALIE DUNCAN has all the talent, grace and ambition to be the next big female solo artist 2012 is crying out for and ‘Devil in Me’ is brimming with top ten potential. So if you are looking for your new music crush, then steal away a couple of hours, plug yourself into ‘Devil in Me’ and indulge yourself in one of the finest debuts of this year.
‘Devil in Me’ is available on iTunes HERE.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Maddie Hammond X
#spreadthelove
