Duncan and the Seven Braids - Little Boy Lost

Duncan and the Seven Braids

​Little Boy Lost
self-released; 2018

3.​6 out of 5

By Bill Todde

Duncan and the Seven Braids was born of many different jam sessions between friends in Providence, Rhode Island. Since the line-up was finalized, the band started to hit the local jam scene. After playing shows and writing songs, a recording session was in order. Little Boy Lost was the result of these sessions, released for listeners everywhere to enjoy in mid-November 2018.

“Sky Observers” is the third track on Little Boy Lost. The sound of the song quickly bounces between a long lost Dinosaur Jr. track and a Counting Crows tune. The lyrics can be clearly heard, allowing the listener to partake in the narrative of the song, and not just the flowing tones of the instruments. The track is excellently structured to take the listener on a ride that spans for miles from the starting fade in. “Mary Jo” is the fifth track on the album. The start of the song is given an extra shot of energy from the drum hits that happen behind the quickly strummed guitar chords. When the bass joins the others, the song kicks into motion.

Another narrative track, the story tells of the titular girl. The smaller details of her are being sung loud and proud while the band behind the words adds an extra flair to part the clouds and truly put the spotlight on Mary Jo. “New Recording 10” was recorded on an iPhone during a rehearsal. A cover of well-known Beatles B-side “Don’t Let Me Down,” it is executed nearly perfectly. Some of the sound is a little muddled, however the energy of the performance is captured brilliantly. It is a raw picture of who Duncan and the Seven Braids really are.

Duncan and the Seven Braids describes themselves as a jam band, however there are elements of more contemporary rock and power-pop that often bubble to the surface. This combination of genres leaves a wonderfully smooth sound for the listener to enjoy. Little Boy Lost carries a genuinely upbeat feeling, never feeling like it is being forced or faked. The band is genuinely happy to be playing these songs with each other. While the exact energy of a live show can never be perfectly translated to a recording, the enjoyment of the band playing can be felt through the music. Each second of the songs are bursting with positive energy. Fans of the jam scene will be delighted with this taste of Duncan and the Seven Braids, fans of other genres will find relatable lyrics, and catchy musical hooks to get lost in. Little Boy Lost is an album that everyone can find themselves in.

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