Return to Dust Release "The Black Road" EP & Drop New Video For "Cellophone"

The Los Angeles-based grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today released their latest single, "Cellophane" taken off their debut EP, "The Black Road" via Jim Kaufman Productions. Fans can listen to the full EP HERE, and watch the brand new video below.

WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:

"Return To Dust veer into entirely distinct sonic territories... one likely pivotal for long-term success.

Overall: 90/100”

Unsung Melody

"The band throws a new twist on 90s-sounding riffs bringing the listener back in time. The groovy guitar with dark themes in the lyrics holds over every song on the EP."

Keynote Music Collective

""“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

""Combined with formidable talent and unmatched dedication, Return to Dust are ready to truly hit the ground running with their debut EP, “The Black Road,""

Interview Under Fire

Return to Dust have taken over listeners' Spotify Release Radar's and Discover Weekly's, all ahead of the release of their debut EP. The band have also been featured on Loudwire's Weekly Wire and Spotify's All New Rock, and 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.

After racking up over 2 million TikTok views within a weekend, see HERE, the band's fan base has skyrocketed. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - nearly a million streams, 70K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and you can now catch over 70,000 fans across all socials waiting for their next glimpse of Return to Dust.

Still on the high of selling out the Viper Room at the EP release show, the band's previous single, "Losing Faith" even earned a stamp of approval from rock's very own, Allison Hagendorf, as it was featured on episode of her podcast's Sound Advice. The trio are continuing to catch fire, as none other than Matt Pinfield tagged in and showcased the band on KLOS' "New And Approved". With the success of their debut EP and the demand for a video of the fan-favorite track, it's no surprise that Return to Dust are returning with more cinematic content.

Speaking on today's single release, the band shares:

"Cellophane is about fabrication. Whether it’s you trying to be someone you’re not or someone portraying you falsely, there is always a truth somewhere below the plastic. 

The video highlights feelings of entrapment whether it’s fighting heavy chains under water or more extreme examples like an entire bedroom being covered in cellophane."

Sharing insight as the director of the "Cellophane" video, Matt Akana continues:

"We all pushed ourselves far out of our comfort zones to create the best visual we’ve made. The track has such depth and darkness to it that we wanted to reflect that on the screen as well as channel feelings of discomfort, hopelessness and rage in the viewers. We really leaned into visually representing the lyrics on screen and created an underwater world of darkness, rooms wrapped in plastic and bloody hearts."

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 before the release of their debut EP, "The Black Road" produced by none other than Jim Kaufman (Everclear, 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.

Photo Credit - Matt Akana

Southern California fans also have the chance to see Return to Dust at Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, September 2nd.

Return to Dust will opening for fellow rock trio, Aurora View, at their deluxe EP release show.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE. Use the code "RETURNTODUST" for $5 off.

Don't miss your chance to see the band live this Saturday!

ABOUT RETURN TO DUST

Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock trio Return to Dust (Matty Joseph, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez) has already scripted a karmic saga that traverses decades, pays homage to the past, and plants its roots firmly in the future. Listening within their sonic universe is like time-traveling to the halcyon days of the '90s grunge era. Their sound, influenced by heavyweights of the time, reverberates with the echoes of Deftones, Alice In Chains, and the soul of Nirvana — but, their brilliance doesn't stop there. The band draws inspiration from a diverse palette, blending in bits from bands like The Cure, Metallica, and Cage The Elephant, molding them into their own unique musical tapestry. 

Return to Dust breathes life into a sound that feels both genuine and tailor-made to encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, leaving fans awash in nostalgia. Yet, it's not merely a mimicry of the past; instead, it's a fusion of the old and the new — an alchemy that conjures a sound distinctly their own. At the core are alluring bass lines (Stanush), gritty guitar riffs (Gonzalez, Joseph) and dual lead vocals (Joseph, Stanush) that harmonize and intertwine, weaving an ethereal soundscape that resonates with raw emotion and unyielding energy. It's a moody concoction that pays homage to an iconic era while fearlessly exploring uncharted territories. Return to Dust beckons audiences into their world, where the past and present converge, igniting a fervor that keeps the flames of grunge alive. 

Return to Dust found its meteoric rise propelled by a chance encounter with none other than the illustrious producer Jim Kaufman (Helmet, Everclear, Night Riots). Under Kaufman's mentorship, the band's raw talent began to soar. During the darkest days of the pandemic, when the world stood still, Return to Dust seized the opportunity to channel their collective energy into crafting something profound. The result was their debut EP, a mesmerizing creation titled ‘The Black Road.’ It was a labor of love and dedication that not only transcended the barriers of personal growth, but also etched the band's name into the future of rock.


Return to Dust

Matty Joseph - Vocals & Guitar

Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass

Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar

Return to Dust Release "The Black Road" EP & Drop New Video For "Losing Faith"

The Los Angeles-based grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today released their debut EP, "The Black Road" via Jim Kaufman Productions. Fans can listen the new release HERE.

The band are celebrating their recent TikTok success and the EP release with a brand new video for their latest single "Losing Faith". Fans can watch the brand new video, directed by Matt Akana, below.

After racking up over 2 million TikTok views within a weekend, see HERE, the band's fan base has skyrocketed. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - 500K+ streams, 70K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and you can now catch over 70,000 fans across all socials waiting for their next glimpse of Return to Dust.

Speaking on today's single release, co-vocalist Matty Joseph shares:

"Losing Faith is the dance track on the record. Given the obvious doom and gloom we thought the EP needed a pick-me-up sonically. It’s mostly about our ostracism from family as we got older and moved into the mostly lonely young-adulthood life."

Regarding their debut EP release, Matty continues:

"This EP encompasses a hugely dark era for the band; Anywhere from family death, friends turning their backs, and general doom given numerous instances of calamity and doubt. We hope this translates to people as the debut invitation into our world."

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 before the release of their debut EP, "The Black Road" produced by none other than Jim Kaufman (Everclear, 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:

"The band throws a new twist on 90s-sounding riffs bringing the listener back in time. The groovy guitar with dark themes in the lyrics holds over every song on the EP."

Keynote Music Collective

“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

Return to Dust have taken over listeners' Spotify Release Radar's and Discover Weekly's, all ahead of the release of their debut EP. The band have also been featured on Loudwire's Weekly Wire and Spotify's All New Rock, and 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 at their upcoming EP Release Show, taking place at the legendary Viper Room on Wednesday, August 2nd.

Support comes from Seattle alt-rock stars Alex Vile, and closing sets from grunge/goth rock quartet Urns & Argyles and Oswald - the Los Angeles based band fronted by Anwar Hadid. Return to Dust will be headlining the night, with an unforgettable set at 8:30PM sharp.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE.

Don't miss your chance to celebrate with the band for their EP Release Show, and finally hear the new songs live!

ABOUT RETURN TO DUST

Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock trio Return to Dust (Matty Joseph, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez) has already scripted a karmic saga that traverses decades, pays homage to the past, and plants its roots firmly in the future. Listening within their sonic universe is like time-traveling to the halcyon days of the '90s grunge era. Their sound, influenced by heavyweights of the time, reverberates with the echoes of Deftones, Alice In Chains, and the soul of Nirvana — but, their brilliance doesn't stop there. The band draws inspiration from a diverse palette, blending in bits from bands like The Cure, Metallica, and Cage The Elephant, molding them into their own unique musical tapestry. 

Return to Dust breathes life into a sound that feels both genuine and tailor-made to encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, leaving fans awash in nostalgia. Yet, it's not merely a mimicry of the past; instead, it's a fusion of the old and the new — an alchemy that conjures a sound distinctly their own. At the core are alluring bass lines (Stanush), gritty guitar riffs (Gonzalez, Joseph) and dual lead vocals (Joseph, Stanush) that harmonize and intertwine, weaving an ethereal soundscape that resonates with raw emotion and unyielding energy. It's a moody concoction that pays homage to an iconic era while fearlessly exploring uncharted territories. Return to Dust beckons audiences into their world, where the past and present converge, igniting a fervor that keeps the flames of grunge alive. 

Return to Dust found its meteoric rise propelled by a chance encounter with none other than the illustrious producer Jim Kaufman (Helmet, Everclear, Night Riots). Under Kaufman's mentorship, the band's raw talent began to soar. During the darkest days of the pandemic, when the world stood still, Return to Dust seized the opportunity to channel their collective energy into crafting something profound. The result was their debut EP, a mesmerizing creation titled ‘The Black Road.’ It was a labor of love and dedication that not only transcended the barriers of personal growth, but also etched the band's name into the future of rock.

Return to Dust

Matty Joseph - Vocals & Guitar

Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass

Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar

Return to Dust Announce "The Black Road" EP & Release New Video For "Belly Up"

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