With their latest single “The Duke”, Canadian collective 14 Flamingos delivers a genre-defying gem that feels as lived-in as a dusty vinyl record and as bold as a neon sign flickering at midnight. Released on April 11th, 2025, the track is the first from their upcoming EP Fine Art—a title as intentional as the sonic and visual craftsmanship the band continues to refine. Drawing deep from literary and musical wells, “The Duke” is a tale of redemption, memory, and the cost of choice, all set to a groove that won’t let go.
At the heart of this song is a compelling narrative rooted in real-life struggle. Written by frontman Steve Craik, the lyrics channel the raw introspection of a friend’s battle with addiction. What unfolds is a fictionalized yet emotionally true story of a man coming to terms with his past—“living with the bed they had made,” as the band puts it. But this isn’t told through pity or platitudes. Instead, it’s layered in grit, humor, and human complexity, echoing the writing style of Hunter S. Thompson, who heavily inspired the song’s thematic tone.
Musically, “The Duke” lives in a rich retro-futuristic space, merging analog soul with contemporary edge. Influences from Talking Heads, Lou Reed, Tom Waits, and Soul Coughing can be heard not just in the arrangement, but in the attitude of the track. It opens with a loose, infectious rhythm that feels part jazz-club and part dive-bar disco. The trumpet work by Jeff Birmingham punctuates the track like a brass exclamation point, while Adam Cleland’s lead guitar and Alex Moore’s keys anchor it with mood and texture. The use of vintage equipment, dub tape reverbs, and a Hammond organ during recording gives it a sonic warmth and timeless feel—thanks to the team at Burning Rainbow Studio and producer Neil Cooke-Dallen, known for his work with Astrocolor and Fox Glove.
It’s no accident that the song feels cinematic. 14 Flamingos paint their music like film scenes, each layer contributing to the emotional arc. The band describes themselves as “lawn ornaments on your walk of shame,” which captures both their self-aware wit and their deep emotional resonance. That duality—playful yet poignant—runs throughout “The Duke”. There’s drama here, but also groove. Regret, but also swagger. It’s the sound of a character dancing through the wreckage and finding a little beauty in the mess.
Critics and curators are already taking note. As Gaz from Deal Radio CIC puts it: “Another really cool track. Great vocals and the horns over that fab back beat really works.” And he’s not wrong. There’s a tightness to this band that comes from years of shared musical history—Craik and drummer Brendan Pye have played together since 2006—and it shows. Every note feels intentional, every beat in service of the story.
What makes “The Duke” truly special is its ability to blend meaningful storytelling with sonic joy. It doesn’t preach, but it doesn’t flinch from hard truths either. Instead, it invites the listener into a world that’s dirty, honest, and oddly danceable. This is not just a song—it’s an experience. And according to those who’ve seen 14 Flamingos live, that experience only grows stronger on stage.
As the lead single from Fine Art, “The Duke” sets the tone for what’s to come: bold ideas, tight musicianship, and an emotional punch disguised in groove. If you’re into music that blends character, craft, and charisma, 14 Flamingos are not to be missed.
“The Duke” is a soulful, swaggering tale of redemption with horns, heart, and hypnotic rhythm—a standout track that affirms 14 Flamingos as one of the most creatively exciting acts in the retro-alt scene today.
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