Xander Duell originally prevailed in the indie world alongside his brother, Damon McMahon, as 2/5ths of Inouk, the five-piece originating from Brooklyn. After releasing their critically acclaimed debut LP, No Danger, in 2004 the band quickly parted ways never to be heard from again. Today, Xander is excited to announce his debut solo effort, entitled Wade Laiste, will be hitting streets worldwide on July 17th.
It’s 2015 and Xander is back and collaborating with his brother Damon for the first time in 10 years. After Inouk disbanded Damon went on to put out a solo record under his own name before creating his alias Amen Dunes.
Wade Laiste is a project from Xander Duell and was produced by brother Damon McMahon and Andrew Wyatt (singer and principal songwriter in Miike Snow) and will be released worldwide via Ingrid (a label run out of Stockholm by Lykke Li & members of Miike Snow). “Working with Damon (for the first time since Inouk disbanded) was tense for me, but ultimately a good experience,” Xander notes. “Damon has a lot of talent and patience and is able to really stay true to how he thinks things should sound. I tend to just want to move on; he likes to take time and get things right. Andrew was also a joy to work with. His level of virtuosity and knowledge of all things musical was astounding. The connections he has – like getting Bowie’s drummer Sterling Campbell for the record for instance – were essential to pulling this off.”
Laced between quirky lyrics and complex structures are catchy electronic beats that keep the listener hooked. Reminiscent of 70’s and 80’s stalwarts such as -Berlin-era David Bowie,Steely Dan and modern-era Scott WalkerWade Laiste is a wonderfully weird representation of past and present with hints of modern life idiosyncrasies in both lyric and technique.
Watch the video for album track ‘Earth On Its Axis,’ which Noisey called a “David Lynchesque pop song,” here:
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Xander Duell on tour w/ Amen Dunes:
6/08 Seattle WA @ Barboza
6/09 Portland OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
6/11 Santa Cruz CA @ The Catalyst Atrium
6/12 San Francisco CA @ The Chapel
6/14 Long Beach CA @ Carpenter House
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