Mark Duval
Rhythm of the Rustbelt
© 2006 Mark Duval (855817001074)
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Dark, sparse, earthy, roots-based acoustic, with pretty harmonies, raunchy rhythms and soulful belting.
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Mark Duval's music is earthy and eclectic, with haunting melodies, swinging rhythms, compelling lyrics delivered with soulful vocal harmonies. The instrumentation and style are continually varied, taking the listener along on a scenic ride, through the dark alleys and backroads of life in the rustbelt.
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- author: Lorraine Caron, WMUK 102.1 Grassroots
CD Review by Lorraine Caron Mark Duval’s “Rhythm of the Rustbelt” “Rhythm of the Rustbelt” is chock full of mature songwriting, wonderfully tasteful arrangements, and naturally pleasing voices. Mark Duval’s songs draw you in, and make listening and pondering the meaning of the songs seem like a most gratifying pastime. Then, when you start singing along, it hits you…“This stuff has it all…it’s genuine AND catchy…thought-provoking AND fun.” And you wonder…“Who IS this guy and where did he come from?” Mark Duval played with punk bands for many years and sometimes that background is apparent in his gruff delivery, especially on the songs “The Fire” and “Real Men Dig Their Own Graves.” But, make no mistake, this is acoustic roots music all the way. The moody, evocative “Carnival Girls” hits you with lines like “Every medicine is a poison, every poison is a medicine. It all depends on how much you’re takin’ and how often you take it again.” “Perfect World” may be the perfect song. With just guitar in the beginning, then voice, then bass and mandolin, the song builds instrumentally as it delivers it’s simple, yet profound message. The song “Come On Down” feels and sounds almost familiar, even on first listen, and includes a killer banjo part. Throughout the album, cello, violin, percussion and clarinet are used sparingly and with great effect. Harmony singer Traci Seuss is feelin’ it, and her parts add even more substance and soul to the sound. This album by Kalamazoo singer/songwriter Mark Duval has found a permanent home on Grassroots, WMUK’s locally-produced acoustic music show.
- author: - Dustin Walsh, Nightlife / Music Writer, On the Town Magazine;
Rhythm of the Rustbelt is Americana like a cross-country road trip-the soundtrack to a summer sunrise over a dusty, forlorn Route 66. ‘Real Men Dig Their Own Graves’ is a beat-driven, boot-stomper atoned with Duval’s best redition of Tom Waits’ graveled vocals... The album is earthy, candid and nostalgic - everything an Americana album should be.
on the nose
author: jj mccabethis is the kind of music i wish more people would make. heartfelt, free of pretense or overproduction, introspective, dark, gritty. i have a soft spot in my heart for any instrumentation that includes banjo, particularily if the song avoids the anachronism of most "roots" and bluegrass music, and manages to have a unique contemporary feel while silmutaneously evoking the ghosts of our past shared influences - the coal stained hands of the miners in virginia and tennessee, the dust cloaked hobos of the depression, the mud soaked boots of the men of the mississippi delta, all of the suffering that would give birth to rock and roll a generation later. for anyone who is unfamiliar with the burgeoning alt-country movement, this song would be a good place to start. Reviewed by: jjmccabe from San Francisco, California
Good head nodding music
author: M RickeyNice shuffle groove, my foot started tapping all on it's own. I love the way the acoustic guitars were recorded; just the right amount of air. The guys have been together for awhile and it shows. Very tight. - mrickey Plymouth, Michigan November 12th, 2005
- author: Lirza
There's a monter under my bed too! Upon hearing this tune, I was zipped back in time to where Louden Wainwright was the S***! I liked the lyric idea alot. This chap is obviously a seasoned lyric writer and it's great. Nothing to criticize here, just let me hear more, as this artist is conscious of all the fundamental necessities of good song writing in this somewhat less than perfect world. I may be that...a somewhat less than perfect reviewer, but, I know what is good, even if it isn't my bag! It's refreshing to hear a song writer with something to say, that even touched my dumbed out social consciousness. Well done! - lirza from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on 18Jul2005
Homegrown Talent
author: Revue MagazineThis debut CD from Kalamazoo's Mark Duval - along with his band, the Mule Variations - features Duval's songwriting skills and an Americana folk sound. "The Fire" opens the nine-track album; the guitar has a good feel and goes well with Duval's vocals. "Aaron Talked to Bill" is kind of like an episode of Seinfeld: a song "about nothing" that you love. And great words fit the music on "Perfect World". Experiencing Rhythm of the Rustbelt is like sitting around talking with the artist. -T. Wilson, Revue Magazine, April 2006