DUST TO DUST
Reviewed by Snidermann
Dust to Dust travels the spectrum of rock'n'roll with their very diverse release, "Sick." This hard-working band puts out good, pounding, solid rock'n'roll. For the most part.
Sometimes, however, the music gets really slow and choppy to the degree that it diminishes the overall project. When Dust to Dust rocks, they rock hard with a vengeance; when they don't, they might as well be Nickelback, the Foo Fighters or any of the too damn many other spongerock bands out there.
"Sick" is a very good CD from a potentially great band, but they need to keep the tempo up and the emotions high to be really effective.
For more info, check out http://www.dusttodustmusic.com.
"Preview 2002" (Self-produced; 2002)
Reviewed by Alicia Downs
Dust to Dust is one of those bands that seemed to be on the brink of something big. Their self-titled debut album and release with Sanctuary records received much critical acclaim in numerous publications and their name was quickly growing. Their haunting blends of melodic metal was a fresh escape from the nu wave metal movement that has more hard rock sensibilities and simple lyrics then anything else.
But, regardless of Dust to Dust's musical achievements,
the industry will be the industry, and an industry not concerned with proper promotion and backing of genuine talent. As such is the reason
that bands like Dust to Dust are struggling to get their music in the public eye while Kittie and
Godsmack can go platinum.
Recently, I received a five-song compilation - a preview of Dust to Dust's
soon-to-be-released demo. Opening with "Barely Breathing," Dust to Dust seems to have returned
to the roots of 80s metal with pure guitars evolved with the smelting of modern day metal bleakness.
"Time Bomb," the second track, regains the traditional Dust to Dust sound of haunting
instrumentals and spoken vocals. But without question the gem of the preview and the track that
exudes the immense potential and talent of the band is third track "Blue Sky
Lie." With melodic awareness combined with soft vocals bordering on the ballad, "Blue Sky Lie" shows that Dust to
Dust can expand beyond the bleak metal syndrome into a band with far more to offer both musically
and lyrically.
The preview closes out with "This Way" and "Think About It" - the former being a better offering
lyrically and overall. "Think About It" seems a little too bland and generic considering Dust to Dust's resume potential of seamless lingering blends.
The five-song offering examples the raw talent that was seen on Dust to Dust's self-titled debut.
Personally, I always think that music like this is more indicative of what a band has up their
sleeve - and is often more inviting then an album that has been warped by industry executives with dollar signs
in their eyes. These songs eagerly fit that classification of pure music true to the soul of Dust to
Dust.
If you heard and enjoyed any of the songs from their album, I would undoubtedly recommend supporting these guys and listening for their future endeavors.
Dust to Dust is: Rob Traynor (vocals, bass, and programming), Stuart Berenson (Guitar and Guitar Effects), James Craig (Synths and Audio), and Steve Tobin (drums).
For more info go to the Official Dust to Dust web site located at http://www.dusttodustmusic.com.
"Dust
to Dust" (Sanctuary Records; 2001)
Reviewed by Alicia Downs
Dust to Dust's self-titled album has been described as having
similarities to the haunting decadence of Type O Negative. No doubt the analogies are
fair; Peter Steele snagged these guys to open for them on their 2001 annual Halloween romp around the East Coast. However, what
differentiates Dust to Dust is their lyrical contributions and vocalist Rob Traynor's ability to provide strong vocal accompaniment to a
haunting musical track without the unnecessary Transylvanian drawl.
Dust to Dust opens with "Mr. Doe." Upon initial impression the lingering Type-O type chords and
synths overpower until the vocals come in. Then you know this is nowhere near Type O. For starters,
Dust to Dust has ... well ... actual vocal and lyrical merit. Traynor can sing and
perform a confident spoken word verse with the best of them. Of course, the chorus shows his vocals
offerings more so then verses but just the same it all works.
The next track erupts with released single "New Low." This is by and far one of the catchier tracks
on the album. Guitars, keyboards, and drums just flow on this one. The distant vocal effect appeal
and drums performed by Steve Tobin stand out as they carry the whole tune.
I could sit here and list each track in order and tell you how bad ass they all are. My personal favorite,
"If I Was God," has one of the best synth arrangements and aura-filled vocals around in
quite a while. It is truly chilling.
Overall, here's the deal with Dust to Dust: the album fucking rocks. Listen to it immediately.
Why? Because you will so not want to be one of the last people to spin this awesome
arrangement. And here is the bonus; the total play comes in at well over fifty minutes of bone-crunching music. With so
many platinum selling poor attempts at music coming in at little over half an
hour, this one makes it well worth your time and money.
Dust to Dust is: Rob Traynor (vocals, bass, and programming), Stuart Berenson (Guitar and Guitar
Effects), James Craig (Synths and Audio), and Steve Tobin (drums).
For more info go to the Official Dust to Dust web site located at: http://www.dusttodustmusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Nov 2024 13:33:11 -0500.
