by Ian MacPhee
After nearly two decades, Duster have finally released a new full length album, the self-titled Duster. The band put out a handful of well-loved albums and EPs throughout the late-90s before calling it quits in 2000. Since then, their lo-fi, fuzzed-out songs have gained them a legendary status amongst fans in the know. Duster sounds like no time has passed, delivering twelve new songs that feel nostalgic yet fresh.
In April 2018, Instagram account “thisisduster” mysteriously surfaced, gaining thousands of followers immediately. After a few caption-less pictures, a new post came, reading: “hi. it’s been a long time but we are recording a little bit.” The news about Duster spread instantly, and a few months later the Numero Group announced an official re-issue of all Duster’s material. The group soon began playing live, confirming that they were finally back.
After a few small tours and one-off shows, the band posted that Duster would be out in December of 2019. The first single “Copernicus Crater” was shared, and the hypnotic track proved that Duster were still capable of creating the worlds they did in the late 90s.
Duster is a fantastic album in the sense that, after so many years, it directly calls back to the band’s early work and unique sound. They have not lost the distinct otherworldly quality that made their music stand out against their slowcore peers. Tape hiss, overdriven analog gear, and vintage equipment render their songs timeless.
The tracks from the album are warm, slow, and fuzzy, creating complex and emotional moods. “Letting Go,” the second single released, is a simple pop song, but layers of auxiliary noise and effects make it feel foreign, intangible. Similarly, “Lomo” shows their ability to transform a straightforward acoustic guitar song into something that is lush, breathing, and elusive.
Self-described as “experimental depressed music,” Duster’s interest in experimentation is still apparent. “Go Back” is made up of thick noise, circular guitar, and keys, with softly spoken vocals resting beneath the soundscape. The shift from “Letting Go” to “Go Back” is jarring, but it’s a perfect addition to the dynamic, off-kilter world the songs exist in. Duster feels suspended in time. It’s guaranteed to satisfy long-time listeners, and provides a good introduction for new fans unfamiliar with Duster’s sound.