But when the group trimmed down to five members in 2012, they named the band after Trevino’s house on Duncan Lane and started in a new direction. With the name change, they focused their sound into the expressive indie rock they play today.
Duncan Fellows’ first two EPs track their growth from folky troubadours to indie rockers. “Twelve Months Older” (2013) is five songs of folk rock goodness. Standout tracks like “Arrow” showcase Harman and multi-instrumentalist Margot Stevenson’s natural harmony, while “Stolen Black Cars” speaks like a Springsteen ballad about growing up and getting out. Filled with the energy and fear of young love, blurred highway lines and unknown destinations, this acoustic guitar tune is beautiful in its simplicity.
Deeper and more rock than their previous effort, “Marrow” (2015) expands Duncan Fellows’ sound with early Smashing Pumpkins fuzz and Kings of Leon leads. “Saints” tells a story of growth and discovery, while “New Skins’” upbeat drum brush rhythms, sparse electric guitars and group harmonies float and sparkle. Even with only six songs, “Marrow” is full of variety and range.
Tentatively due for release this summer, Duncan Fellows’ first LP is the next evolution in the band’s sound. Thanks to fan feedback and personal taste, Harman promises the album will be more upbeat and driving than previous records.
“I feel like a lot of the stuff that has influenced us has been the live show setting,” Harman shared. “The more we played, the more we figured out what people liked and what we liked. We also bought electronic instruments, which helps.”
Judging from their live show, they’ve used those fancy electronics well. The newer songs in the set were peppered with electric drum beats, trumpets and huge, room-filling codas. Even the quieter, more contemplative tunes commanded the chatty crowd’s attention.
Kerosene
Duncan Fellows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dirty sheets and secrets that they keep behind the door
It's kerosene, it's what you need
A match, a spark, a flame that'll keep you warm
And now you're on your own
Your only sister lost her temper when you were seven
It's kerosene, it's what you need
A match, a spark, a flame that'll keep you warm
And I was standing in the mirror
Lights out
Images, [?] clearer
And now you've found
It's kerosene, it's what you need
A match, a spark, a flame that'll keep
you warm
These lyrics portray a family in turmoil and a sense of needing to find one's own way out. The opening lines paint a picture of a dysfunctional household with a mother screaming on the phone while dirty secrets are kept hidden behind closed doors. The repetition of the line "It's kerosene, it's what you need" suggests that the situation is volatile and potentially explosive. The metaphor of kerosene as a source of warmth implies that the characters are seeking comfort in destructive patterns.
The second verse introduces the singer's sister who has also suffered some sort of breakdown, having "lost her temper" and burned bridges. This suggests that dysfunction might run in the family and that the singer is following in the footsteps of those who came before him/her. The bridge section of the song describes a moment of introspection where the singer looks in the mirror and sees a clearer image of themselves. This suggests that they are starting to understand their own role in the dysfunction and are becoming more self-aware.
Overall, "Kerosene" is a powerful song about family dysfunction and the need to find one's own way out. It suggests that breaking free from destructive patterns can be difficult but is ultimately necessary for one's own survival and well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Mommy screams as daddy rings her on the telephone
The parents of the singer are having an argument over the phone which leads to the mother screaming
Dirty sheets and secrets that they keep behind the door
There are hidden truths and secrets about the family that the singer is living with
It's kerosene, it's what you need
A match, a spark, a flame that'll keep you warm
And now you're on your own
The singer feels like they need something explosive to break free from their current situation and now they must work through things on their own
Your only sister lost her temper when you were seven
Burned the bridges, got her picture on television
The artist's sister made a big, public mistake years ago which caused her to cut ties with the family
And I was standing in the mirror
Lights out
Images, [?] clearer
And now you've found
It's kerosene, it's what you need
A match, a spark, a flame that'll keep
The artist is standing in the dark in front of the mirror, seeing images more clearly, and now realizes that they also need something explosive to move on and create their own path
Contributed by Maria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jackson
on Stolen Black Cars
Chill Thomas. We’ve heard of the song as well