Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

Three-piece St Albans-based outfit Dust have a very professional EP to share with us in 'See Red', their second release.  In this post grunge landscape, straight ahead rock and quality songs are the priorities for vocalist/guitarist Marc James, drummer Jimmy Cooke and bass player, Higgins.  The basic sound is traditional heavy rock with a moody edge and no frills: not very fashionable these days, but Dust are not trying to pander to anyone's tastes.  Besides, they do what they do very well.  All three players impress greatly with mature technical ability, especially James' guitar work which blows holes in walls when required but does not waste any space.  The four songs on offer are all more than proficient, the pick of the bunch being "Something More" with its groovy, slightly Eastern riff and a chorus that hangs around for days, and "See Red", which begins gently but explodes come chorus time.  The weak link currently is Marc James' vocal ability; fine live but in this studio setting he is shown to be a little lacking in power and control.  Dust have recently been involved in schools evangelism with the SoundNation project, and whilst not entirely cliché-free, their lyrics proclaim a passion to declare that there is more to this life than meets the eye.  If thoughtful head banging (!) is your thing, then give Dust your support.  Good stuff and solid potential here for greater things.

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