Duster
by Duster
  • Record Label: Muddguts
  • Release Date: Dec 13, 2019
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 13, 2019
    90
    It's still Duster to the core -- as sad, exhilarating, and powerful as ever -- but it's colored by 20 years of life experience and dipped even more deeply in melancholy. At a time when almost every band ever has reunited to make disappointing, derivative music, Duster have come back to make their most sonically challenging and emotionally invested record yet.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 13, 2019
    80
    For better or worse, Duster sounds as though it was created by humans. Imperfections are packed into structures that are more comprehensible, and far less nebulous. Each crackle, echo and strained vocal makes the limitations of being human seem not only clear, but beautiful in its vulnerability.
  3. American Songwriter
    Dec 13, 2019
    80
    Duster have finally found their audience in 2019, and their self-titled album shows that the band still has a lot left up their sleeve.
  5. Exclaim
    Dec 13, 2019
    80
    With the band's integrity, commitment to their craft and immunity to the passing of time, they're sure to make their patient fans happy with Duster.
  6. No Ripcord
    Dec 13, 2019
    80
    It's a moving, eclectic return that longtime fans will admire—and find themselves surprised to discover them for the first time.
  7. Pitchfork
    Dec 30, 2019
    74
    Their new, self-titled album bears all the hallmarks of classic Duster records: plodding drums, skeletal basslines, and guitar work that sparkles in the darkness like dew on a cobweb.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. GuitarPen
    Feb 22, 2020
    8
    After Duster’s droned out experimental lamentations helped bury the 20th century, the band took an extended break, which lasted a decade and aAfter Duster’s droned out experimental lamentations helped bury the 20th century, the band took an extended break, which lasted a decade and a half. Founding member Clay Parton explains, “We didn’t feel like we belonged in this world before,” he said. “And the world is only an even bleaker hellscape now.” Duster’s latest release, Duster delivers a pounding, pulsating battle march through this bleak hellscape. It is a sound that Parton aptly describes as “purring distress”.

    There is an element of pain that these tracks bring forth, yet it is a bearable and oftentimes pleasing torment, like a mild sunburn or ankle sprain. Duster skillfully walks the thin line of pleasure and pain, stepping from one side to another, yet maintaining their balance throughout.

    The opening track, “Copernicus’ feels like an interrogation lamp turning off and on and off and on again, blasting into your brain in forcefull, mind-numbing 2-second intervals. “I’m Lost” deliberately cuts the vocals lower than the thundering fuzz of the guitar, drum, and bass blend. Straining to make out the lyrics is part of the experience. “Don’t you know I’m lost? Don’t you know I’m lost without you here.”

    Other angst-ridden gems include “Summer War,” “Damaged,” and “Ghoul”. “Go Back” evokes the most haunting and terror-ridden vibe on the album. Even the more seemingly optimistic “Lomo”, with its rich sonic texture and evocative atmosphere lyrically pull the listener under its spell. “Late into the night. When it’s still and calm. And the mind slows down. Is this death? Maybe. It’s alright.”

    All said, If you’re looking to have your soul musically eviscerated, give Duster a listen. The depths you’ll reach are impossible to arrive at with other bands. The mastery of this record lies in how skillfully Duster takes the listener to the depths of their own soul, returning them emptied and expunged, ready to start anew.    … Full Review »
  2. Kazzz
    Jan 2, 2020
    9
    A great evolution of their sound. More anguish, slower and somehow more mesmerising. It's great to see these people continue experimenting.
  3. LDyhrKopp
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    It's as if the band never broke up in the first place, picking up right where they left off over 15 years ago.
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