Brisbane/Meanjin-based outfit Dusty emerged onto the scene in 2021, and have been winning fans over ever since. Delivering pop with relatable lyrics, their sounds track the lives of those listening in. The highs, the lows and the in-betweens are covered with infectious hooks and beautiful melodies. Today, Dusty have dropped their debut EP, Glitter, containing earlier singles “Do You Care?”, “Easier”, “Anxiety” and “Shitty Guitar” along with two new tracks.
Leading the way on vocals and rhythm guitar is Annie Newcombe. Tannum Portelli is on bass, Harley Meszaros on lead guitar and Willow Giles keeps the beat on drums.
It’s been said that they are inspired by female-led acts such as Moaning Lisa, Julia Jacklin, Eliza and The Delusionals and Julia Stone, but there’s no doubt that they have found their own voice. From the viscerating “Shitty Guitar” to the sentimental “Easier”, Glitter is a fabulous debut for the band.
For Annie, the band wasn’t just a vehicle to play her songs. It’s much more than that, as she writes: “When I started Dusty I didn’t just want to make music with the band, I wanted to be a family and to be there for each other in life, not just the music industry. I am so proud of the songs we have created together but the thing that is most important to me is that when I listen to the EP I think about how the music led us to become a family.”
They’ll also be celebrating the release with their debut headline show in Brisbane on November 5 with a DJ set from special guest Conor Brooker (BUGS). Ticket link is below.
Dusty – Glitter (EP) – Track By Track
1. Shitty Guitar
A real upbeat and relatable track for anyone who’s had to cut off a shitty friend. We were able to turn a not-so-awesome experience into a pretty awesome, head-bopping song!
2. Glitter
This song turned a traumatic experience into a memorable and groovy tune. With an emotional bridge section and stop-starts at each chorus, the track goes through highs and lows that listeners can easily vibe along to.
3. Easier
The “cry-along-to” track of the EP that will tug at your heartstrings. Even though it’s set in a major key, the melody really carries the message of the sentimental lyrics and sends you into a calm but saddened state.
4. Anxiety
This song mirrors the feelings of anxiety through its upbeat tempo and super-relatable lyrics, which is a common theme in Dusty’s music. Having anxiety isn’t the greatest of things, but this song turns those feelings around with its “dance-around-in-your-room” vibe.
5. Bittersweet
A real kicker of a tune, this song is full of drama, attitude and tension that will have you bopping your whole body along to. Be sure to keep an ear out for a certain someone’s vocal solo
6. Do You Care?
Possibly Dusty’s vibe-iest song with hard-hitting lyrics and rock-out tones. A must-add to your “songs to scream in the car” playlist!
UPCOMING SHOWS
5th November | Dusty Glitter EP Launch | Tomcat, Brisbane | tickets HERE
9th-11th December | Urban Sport Festival, Gold Coast Sports Precinct | tickets HERE
Glitter from Dusty is out now. You can give Dusty a follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
Header image credit: Nikita Oliver
