Review: Soho Dukes – Nighthawks, Acrobats And Everything Under The Moon

Cargo Records – (November 28^th 2025)

Reviewer – David Brighouse

Hailing from London and the South-East, Soho Dukes were formed in 2017. Since then, they’ve gigged tirelessly and boisterously, and released two albums independently, ‘Bar Fights & Tuppeny Uprights’ (2021) and ‘Golden Age Of The Barber’s Chair’ (2024).

Title track ‘Nighthawks & Acrobats‘ launches the album in fine style, circus themed with 20^th century cultural references driven along by soaring saxophone and a rousing guitar solo at the half-way point, roll-up for the time of your life. ‘Johnny Domino‘ reflects on the dead-end existence of the hapless title character and although reminiscent of early 1970’s British rock, with tinkling piano and sharp guitar work, just fails to hit the mark.

‘Should Know Better‘ is a punchy rocker with a bit of a Glam feel, great double guitar work and story of an unattainable girl that’s hard to forget. ‘A Stone’s Throw Away‘ featuring the unmistakable vocals of special guest Spike, and is a wonderfully soulful bluesy ballad, with harmonica, saxophone and a fine guitar solo from Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell the other guest on the track.

‘Elaine‘ picks things up again nicely, a story of lovers mismatched both intellectually and culturally and romps along apace and is great fun. ‘Suited & Booted‘ is groover with added brass and extols the virtues of going out suitably attired to impress, with an equally impressive guitar solo. ‘Rain On Us‘ is another slower number starting with just piano and sax, before the pace picks up when the rest of the band come in, in an ode to missed opportunities.

‘In Love With Myself‘ is a mid-tempo rocker with a more optimistic view on what life might have to offer with added harmonies. ‘Sunday Magazines‘ really shows the bands influences with a rollicking story of the 1970’s rock scene as depicted in the tabloids of the day. Finally, you get ‘A Stone’s Throw Away (Single Edit)‘ as an added bonus.

In a nutshell, just imagine you are in your favourite boozer listening to the bloke at the end of bar, who’s had a few, telling stories over a backdrop of the band in the corner ripping it up, then this album is exactly what you’d get, brilliant!

Tracklisting:

1. Nighthawks & Acrobats
2. Johnny Domino
3. Should Know Better
4. A Stone’s Throw (featuring Spike & Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell
5. Elaine
6. Suited & Booted
7. Rain On Us
8. In Love With Myself
9. Sunday Magazines
10. A Stone’s Throw (Single Edit)

Line-up:

Johnny Barracuda (Vocabulary)
Bomber (Bass)
Col ‘The Duke’ Foster (Rhythm Guitar)
Si Leach (Lead Guitar)
Swerve (Keys)
Age Blackwell (Drums)

Web Links:

Official Website

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Instagram

YouTube​