Marmaduke Duke

Marmaduke Duke

Marmaduke Duke are a conceptual rock duo from the United Kingdom, originally formed in Ayrshire, Scotland in 2003. The group is a side project of Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and JP Reid of Sucioperro, who perform under the pseudonyms The Atmosphere and The Dragon.

Formation and membership

The act is a duo made up of The Atmosphere and JP Reid. Simon Neil and JP Reid use the Duke personas when working on the project. The group remains active.

Recorded work

The first album in a planned trilogy of concept albums is The Magnificent Duke, which has 18 tracks. The second album, Duke Pandemonium, is positioned as a more synth-based record and includes the tracks “Silhouettes” and “Everybody Dance”. Other songs associated with the album include “Erotic Robotic”, “Music Show” and “Heartburn”.

The group also works on a third part of the trilogy, Death of the Duke. At different points, the second album is described as having been prepared with sampler material for magazines and radio stations, and as being released through 14th Floor/Warners.

Style and development

Marmaduke Duke are described as a conceptual rock project with alternative rock and experimental elements. Their material moves between rock and a more synth-led approach, and the trio of albums is presented as a connected concept. Because of commitments to their main bands, the project’s releases and recording schedule are repeatedly delayed.