Grand Duchy - Petit Fours
The inimitable Frank Black. The man is truly an under-appreciated icon of American rock music. Whether it was with the Pixies shaping the face of modern rock, his early solo-work using synthesizers to great effect way before the current 80's fetish, or his later Americana/ alt-rock work which is as good as anything from Ryan Adams or Conor Oberst, Black Francis 
has put out consistent, quality rock music. For a primer on his post-Pixies work get his first, self-titled album and 2003's Show Me Your Tears. These two albums wonderfully highlight the range of Black's musical talents.
has put out consistent, quality rock music. For a primer on his post-Pixies work get his first, self-titled album and 2003's Show Me Your Tears. These two albums wonderfully highlight the range of Black's musical talents.But to the topic at hand: 2009's Petit Fours, recorded with his wife, Violet Clark, under the moniker Grand Duchy. I know nothing of Clark, but she certainly holds her own. Album opener, 'Come On Over To My House' is a solid, but unspectacular song which ends up sounding nothing like its intro implies. Following that, Clark gets her turn at the helm with on the excellent 'Lovesick' which, backed by a steady beat, solid guitar riff and synths, is a solid little pop gem.
Not until the third song 'Fort Wayne' do we get to hear husband and wife share the stage. One could be excused if hey heard this song and thought it was some lost Pixies b-side. A Black acoustic riff with his falsetto (seriously, this guy has so many singing voices) and backing "La-La-La's" from the Mrs. sounds like it could easily be Black and Kim Deal. But Clark lets you know its her, transitioning from the vague, airy la-la's to a speak sing to a whispery en francaise delivery.
Not until the third song 'Fort Wayne' do we get to hear husband and wife share the stage. One could be excused if hey heard this song and thought it was some lost Pixies b-side. A Black acoustic riff with his falsetto (seriously, this guy has so many singing voices) and backing "La-La-La's" from the Mrs. sounds like it could easily be Black and Kim Deal. But Clark lets you know its her, transitioning from the vague, airy la-la's to a speak sing to a whispery en francaise delivery.
From there we move onto the chilled out 'Seeing Stars' which contrasts nicely with the contained aggression of what is probably my favorite song of the album, 'Black Suit.' Next up is 'Long Song' followed by 'Break the Angels' with a baseline easily reminiscent of 'Gigantic.' The solid 'Ermesinde' sees Clark dipping into the mainstream bucket with a splash of autotune.
On the terrific album closer 'Volcano,' Mr. Black, very gentleman-like, allows his wife to have the stage last and she delivers. The song builds intensely with thundering tom-toms and metronome snare culminating in Clark's cries of 'It's gonna blow!'
Over the summer I was privileged to see Frank Black at a very small solo show. It was an amazing experience to see a person whose voice and music has been with me for half of my life. Do yourself a favor and see him in whatever form you can: solo, with the Pixies or, in order to see his freshest work, Grand Duchy.
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