Duda, Mark: Month Of Sundays

Rubbing shoulders with Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Blue Oyster Cult), Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boyd), Kenny Aaronson (Joan Jett, Billy Idol) and Arno Hecht (Rolling Stones) on his debut EP, The Handful's Mark Duda has drawn some serious talent into his rock n' roll web. And that's exactly what this six track effort is, a weaving of classic sounds reimagined by Duda and his all stars.

Somehow finding the balance between Meat Loaf like larger than lifeness and a Ramones tough and rumble, there's something surprisingly endearing about what is, in essence, a good idea done simply but done well. With Duda writing three tracks and the other three co-writes with his guitarist Jimi K. Bones (Blondie), there's no pretensions, no bullshit, just rock n' roll. Whether that's the pound and shuffle of "Connection", the Ramones meets a 50s vibe via Michael Monroe of "Subway Song" or the horn infused doo-wop of "Standoff Love", the eras covered may change but the intention doesn't. With lyrics written with a wry smile on their face and a theatric showmanship in his delivery that is seldom attempted these days, Duda doesn't need neon lights or dancing girls to hit the heights.

"Worse For Wear" proves the importance of a precision rhythm section on a slower cut, Aaronson and drummer Thommy Price rock solid, just as Chrome and Rondinelli are on the mid-paced sing along, "Murder On Delancey". Although it's possibly the powering title track that stays with you longest, urgent drums and a hugely memorable chorus ensuring the song's stand out status.

Take a simple idea, put your heart and soul into it and then make sure it's executed with care, attention and passion; sometimes the results can be surprisingly exciting. Month Of Sundays has all of those things and more, and its rewards are plain to hear. This may be only rock n' roll, but I like it.

Track Listing
1. Month of Sundays
2. Murder On Delancey
3. Standoff Love
4. Worse For Wear
5. Connection
6. Subway Song

Added: June 17th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Month Of Sundays on bandcamp
Hits: 1970
Language: english

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