Grand Duchy - Seeing Stars

  by Lisa Torem

published: 10 / 9 / 2009

Label: Cooking Vinyl
Format: CDS

intro

Pop-influenced and upbeat-sounding new single from Grand Duchy, the latest project of the Pixies' Frank Black

You may recall that Frank Black AKA Black Francis fronted the alternative rock band the Pixies until 1993, formed Frank Black and the Catholics shortly thereafter and then re-formed the Pixies in 2004. But, now, Frank Black and wife Violet Clark, are Grand Duchy and have just come off an American tour and this summer’s release of their debut album, 'Petits Four'. 'Seeing Stars' is one of that debut album’s more celestial tracks and one of two singles released on this EP. It has a strong pop feel due to Clark’s sheer, but subtle vocals. Clark sings demurely, “The stars I thought you’d never ask, the moon the sun the stars. How did the night slip past? A heart can only beat so fast.” This airy monologue launches into a gutsy instrumental, but vocally innocent fade-out, where voices remind us, “I guess I’m seeing stars again.” This catchy hook is captivating. 'Fete Nationale', the other track, is fun and engaging in a comically, distorted way. The quirky entrails of a keyboard playing rubato orchestra hits align with a creepy bass line. Dribs and drabs of odd synth roam about nomadically while nonsensical utterances ping pong amid cacaphony. Black displays jagged rhythm guitar infused with an almost inebriated flail. His hallmark atypical meter signatures wash down well with the giddy goings-on. There’s no outstanding memorable riff or reflective lyric, but the ever-lasting good vibe it brings more than over compensates. Eerie synth escalates against DUI drum. Clark expresses the surrealistic sentiment in her usual honest and uncluttered fashion. It’s a good time, though not for the sing-a-long around Aunt Sophie’s piano types.

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