Baxter Dury has undoubtedly accepted that to some, he will always be Ian Dury's boy. It is unfortunate how context ruins neutrality when listening to music; once people look past the connection, they would see that Dury's voice and style is as unique and enjoyable as his father's.
His previous album, Happy Soup, continued his rise from obscurity, and new single "Palm Trees" reinforces Dury's sparse, simplistic style. The synths used are basic and bold, and the backing vocals are hardly subtle.
The track's charming backdrop createsboth a sense of accomplishment and, conversely, naivety. This, coupled with catchy hooks and a trip to an indie disco provides a winning formula.
Dury is incredibly believable, an everyman of the weirdest sort. The stripped-back electro style can be compared with Damon Albarn's work, both as himself and with Gorillaz. There's an unseen intelligence to everything involved. The lyrics, both easy and emotive, tell a simple tale that's easy to relate to. When Dury croaks, "So I follow this lowly trail of tears, to where these artificial trees appeared," it's hard not to feel some form of sympathy.
The song's main theme is pushed forward over and over again, hypnotically winning you over. There is little else to it -- a verse and a very short chorus -- but that's all you need. Baxter Dury has mastered the tough art of songwriting, and made it look so so easy.
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