The Iron Duke is the alter-ego of ex-White Ape singer Tommy Mack. Breaking with the brash guitars and scabrous wit of his former band, The Iron Duke makes electro-orchestral pop ballads somewhere between the melodrama of Soft Cell, the melancholy sweep of early New Order and the bedroom exotica of early Pulp.

Tommy Mack released his first single aged 18, built a studio aged 21, fronted several bands and even trod the boards as a stand-up comedian for several years. As singer of General Khaki, he toured with Babyshambles and The Maccabees. Pete Doherty once described his jaw as ‘chiselled’ but he’s let himself go a bit since then.

White Ape released a string of EPs through Sotones, championed by Steve Lamacq, Tom Robinson & John Robb among others. They also turned down a support slot with Fat White Family. Possibly not their smartest career move.

“Genius lyrics and great vocal delivery” – Tom Robinson, BBC6music

“You know some people are just too smart. So smart their heads spin with ideas and they talk in flights of fancy. These people don’t fit into the mundane groove of reality and the lucky ones end up making music.” – John Robb, Louder Than War