The Duhks fans were introduced to new lead singer Sarah Dugas in early 2007 when Jesse Havey departed the band after its second album, Migration, was already gaining critics’ praise. It appears the members have had plenty of time to adjust to personnel changes. Label: Sugarhill
[Rating: 3.5 STARS]
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The Duhks fans were introduced to new lead singer Sarah Dugas in early 2007 when Jesse Havey departed the band after its second album, Migration, was already gaining critics’ praise. It appears the members have had plenty of time to adjust to personnel changes. The resulting blend of talent yields an all-time creative high, harnessed by producer Jay Joyce, and evinced on Fast Paced World. Dugas brings not only a wallop of attitude and attack to the Duhks folk-soul fusion, she also brings self-penned songs-including the standout, social commentary of the title track-to the disc that cements her place as frontwoman. In addition to the traditional standards, Dugas plunges the Duhks into unchartered sonic territory. From the cabaret vibe evoked on “This Fall,” to the more sophisticated “Toujours Vouloir,” Dugas transports listeners across eras and genres with her rich, dramatic pipes. Another Dugas, Sarah’s brother and drummer/percussionist, Christian, is also a prevalent influence on the changing soundscape. Stellar, rhythm-driven contributions from Duhks founder Leonard Podolak and multi-instrumentalist Tania Elizabeth round out the album.
