There is a long history of bands whose arrival is signified with a groundswell of critical praise. However, a closer look sometimes reveals an artistic promise that flatters to deceive. We all know of such artists. We debate over their creative strengths and weaknesses; friendships are forged and lost over such discussions. In their short tenure, DUSST have garnered similar reviews, championed as the latest buzz band of the week, the group identified by the taste-makers as “the ones to watch”. You could be forgiven if you sensed the whiff of hype and lazy journalism in such reports. But in this case, you would be very, very wrong.
DUSST are the newbies in a vibrant Liverpool scene which oozes musical pedigree and tradition, one that provides a reflective and sometimes stern artistic benchmark to be measured against. However, this four- piece shouldn’t fear such examination, as it is clear they are both technically confident and accomplished. This is a group who draw on eclectic influences within the rock, jazz, blues, soul and funk spectrum, resulting in songs arranged superbly with a Steely Dan precision. The track “Somehow” fuses elements of Floyd, CSN and early King Crimson to deliver a musical piece of cushioned mellowness – until it suddenly shifts gear into a brief muscular musical work-out, to then gently cross fade into some beautiful guitar work to conclude.
A second track, “The Edge of Life”, evokes serene West Coast cool, driven by a lithe but constant groove. Again, the guitar work is considered, tasteful even; the bluesy understated lead vocals on both tracks serve to complement and enhance the musical dynamics. This is well-crafted stuff indeed.
The last few months have seen a very promising start to DUSST’s creative journey. These two tracks clearly indicate that they have the musical “chops” of technicality, craftsmanship and insight, which will obviously serve them well for their future. It really, really, could be that easy for them. Joe Atkinson drawls “The time is now” during “Somehow”, and for DUSST, it could well be. I for one wouldn’t bet against it.
For more from DUSST follow them on Facebook and listen to their tracks on Soundcloud.
Steve Kinrade
