Duran Duran - Future Past

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 8 / 12 / 2021

Label: BMG
Format: CD

Impressive latest album from 80's veterans Duran Duran which includes guest appearances from Graham Coxon from Blur and Giorgio Moroder

Review

Duran Duran's new album 'Future Past' is very typical of the band....three-quarters or more catchy pop, a quarter or less, arty experimentation, the latter deriving mainly from keyboardist Nick Rhodes and talented guitarist Graham Coxon, on loan from Blur. Originally intended as an EP, the release blossomed into a full album once recording began and the band found they had 25 possible songs - which they eventually reduced to just twelve. Covid then delayed the album but, finally, it is now available. 'Future Past' does sound like the work of a much younger band. Most of Duran Duran are now into their 60s and there are some hints of age-appropriate material. Once famous for their youthful excesses – dating supermodels, driving the best sports cars, wearing designer suits plus the exotic locations of their videos, Duran Duran are now rather more at home in the National Trust's Brownsea Island in Dorset. They are evidently growing older with dignity – which may come as a surprise to some! Only four of the original five band members (who used to compete for chart supremacy with the likes of Spandau Ballet, Culture Club and Human League) appear on 'Future Fast'. Rhodes is joined by singer Simon Le Bon plus the rhythm section of bassist John Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor (no relation). Guitarist Andy Taylor (again, no relation) left the band back in 2006. Several tracks take the band back to 1980s basics. With the double Taylor rhythm section in their element providing powerful support, 'All Of You' is American funk and disco style whilst 'Anniversary' is again strong rhythmically and has a rousing chorus. Electronic guru Giorgio Moroder helps out with two high-octane dance numbers, 'Beautiful Lies' and 'Tonight United' and East London rapper Ivorian Doll guests on 'Hammerhead'. At the peak of their success – with huge hits like 'Save A Prayer', 'Rio' and 'Girls On Film' - Duran Duran's showy, rather louche image and off-stage antics made them occasionally seem a little preposterous.....which of course they and their managers loved, at the time! But, over the years, people like Killers singer Brandon Flowers and superstar DJ/producer Mark Ronson have cited Duran Duran as a huge influence (in fact Ronson produced their 2010 comeback album 'All You Need Is Now'). So Duran Duran are now belatedly receiving more recognition for their artistic legacy. “Future Past” does suggest that this latter-day appreciation is well-deserved

Track Listing:-

1 INVISIBLE
2 ALL OF YOU
3 GIVE IT ALL UP (feat. Tove Lo)
4 ANNIVERSARY
5 FUTURE PAST
6 BEAUTIFUL LIES
7 TONIGHT UNITED
8 WING
9 NOTHING LESS
10 HAMMERHEAD (feat. Ivorian Doll)
11 MORE JOY! (feat. CHAI)
12 FALLING (feat. Mike Garson)