American Pop Rock: The Duke's My Kung Fu is Good

Having stepped away from Stuck Mojo, pioneer purveyors of rap metal, the Duke (Rich Ward) has undergone a transformation that has produced his first solo record, My Kung Fu is Good. While the Duke continues to tour with the mock-metal, WWE-created band Fozzy, everything indicates that Kung Fu is truer to where the Duke is headed. Where is that? Pop-metal rock that has edges widely dispersed among a melodic landscape.

“I Give to You” feels like Richard Marx or Flynn in its clear-toned pop vocal, although having a much more complex accompaniment. An R&B/soul piano tag add another dimension. “Immune” recalls 80’s hard rock guitar laid over that pop rock base with a rap metal bridge—just in case we forgot where the Duke earned his crown. Speaking of the 80’s, the lead guitar line of “Suicide Machine” could be right off the flight deck of Top Gun, as Maverick takes off from an aircraft carrier. Then “Back to You” actually is a bit like the American Dance Rock of Fusebox.

What has happened in the Duke’s life to bring about this transformation is never made clear in the liner notes or Website. However, it is clear that he found bottom in the rock ‘n’ roll party lifestyle. Kung Fu is filled with positive messages with the vocals on top of the mix to emphasize this. Whether this is a spiritual transformation or not, the Duke’s new outlook can find plenty of resonance with becoming a new person in Christ.

Thanks to the Duke and Spitfire Records for the review CD.