Dualist - We Are You

 

Ostensibly, the title of Dualist’s debut album - We Are You - is the type of rote everyman declaration frequently uttered by new kids on the block. After listening, however, it takes on other meanings, none particularly complimentary. The first alternative meaning implies affinity with others plugging away in local-interest bands - accomplished musicians with high hopes, but nothing new to give their dreams substance. Lurking within, however, are moments considerably above the average: Coma’s midpoint breather highlights singer Callum Macpherson’s Dave Gahan-style vocals, while Listen pushes the Depeche Mode comparison further at a pace more vital than earlier, more serious tracks. Which, unfortunately, suggests another connotation to the title: not just influenced by said doom n gloomsters (or indeed the countless other indie-rock acts echoed in other tracks), Dualist slavishly imitate them - a sincere form of flattery perhaps, but a lousy way to make your name.[Chris Buckle]