The Los Angeles-based grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today announced their debut EP, "The Black Road" set for release on July 28th, 2023. Fans can pre-save the upcoming release HERE.
The EP announcement is accompanied by the release of their latest single "Belly Up". Fans can stream "Belly Up" HERE. Fans can also watch the brand new video, directed by Matt Akana, below.
Speaking on today's single release, co-vocalist Matty Joseph shares:
"Belly Up is a synopsis of our music taste, it’s got a 70’s chorus, 90’s rock riff, and a modern, Gorrilaz-like vocal flow that holds your hand throughout the song. If I remember correctly, I got stupidly high and, after listening to “Meatplow” by Stone Temple Pilots, cranked out the main riff on an unplugged guitar, rushing to my phone to record the idea. After writing the rest, we sent a subpar demo tape (that was at least 10BPM slower) to our producer Jim Kaufman. He heard the magic, and helped create the version you hear today.
The song is about failure, over and over again, and believing that you’re not worth the life you live. Trust us, those little failures are what shape you into the person you are today, embrace them with open arms. My dad always used to say, when you feel overwhelmed, lay belly up and let things pass."
Regarding their debut EP announcement, Matty continues:
"This is our first body of work, and I think it well illustrates the vibe of the band: angsty rock, with dark, cinematic themes and imagery. From thundering guitar and bass in “Black Road”, to the anthemic acoustic ballad “Anyway I Die”, we want to establish ourselves as a band with range who will, for decades forth, deliver new facets to the name and idea of Return to Dust.
We might be on The Black Road EP, but who knows where that road will take us. As with every moment in time, this is merely a diary entry."
Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, have already cultivated a reputation in the local Los Angeles music scene without having released any music on streaming platforms. The release of "Black Road" marks the band's first ever studio release, produced by none other than Jim Kaufman (Anti-Flag, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet). With their remarkable cinematic approach, the rock trio are on track for an unforgettable year of touring and new music. Be sure to stay tuned for more Return to Dust news coming soon.
WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:
""“Black Road” is a killer track. Everything hits hard. The vocals are fierce yet remain melodic. The guitars ring with fire while the monstrous bass line is brazenly defiant. In addition, it was produced by the illustrious Jim Kaufman (Anti-Flag/Helmet). “Black Road” is the perfect vehicle for Return to Dust to showcase their remarkable cinematic approach. This is a band with a stupendous future."
My Amp Music
"Meet Return to Dust, a heavy rock band with songs reminiscent of the grunge era with a modern twist."
Music Scene Media
"Black Road" has also been featured on independent playlists such as Prelude Press' "Music That Doesn't Suck", CHARM Music Magazine's "New Music Friday", NAS 101's "New Artist Spotlight", Get Rocked's "Best New Music", and more.
Southern California fans also have the chance to see Return to Dust LIVE twice this month ahead of the upcoming EP release.
June 17 - Fontana, CA - VFW - Tickets HERE.
June 23 - Long Beach, CA - Que Sera - Tickets available at the door.
Don't miss your chance to see the band perform "Black Road" and "Belly Up" live, alongside other unreleased music!
ABOUT RETURN TO DUST
‘How will you fare against the stress of life’
Return to Dust has always felt like a hidden gem, a band that could have fallen straight from the 90’s, but stands proudly among the musical landscape of today. This is perhaps a gesture towards the timelessness of grunge’s existential yet relatable message, which spoke to and landed them 30+ recordings with decorated producer and mixer Jim Kaufman.
Despite this trajectory, the band had fallen into one of the myriad of “new band” curses, which is meticulously and quietly planning out their debut release. Thankfully, the band committed to their craft long before showing their faces, as singers Graham Stanush (bass) and Matty Joseph (guitar) formed an eternal bond growing up in the cement capital of Texas. The singers carried this passion to the west coast, where they met their then 16 year old guitarist Sebastian Gonzalez.
Now assimilated, Return to Dust has already made its mark, touring up and down the west coast, playing Vegas, Phoenix, every slummy bar in San Gabriel Valley, and personally gaining a stamp of approval from Matt Pinfield on KLOS —- the band is a ticking time bomb to hundreds of eager fans.
Their new single “Black Road'' is a four on the floor heavy rock anthem about self-sacrifice, and forging your own path, released on all platforms April 27th. You can watch the "Black Road" here.
Return to Dust
Matty Joseph - Vocals & Guitar
Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass
Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar