The boundary-pushing grunge quartet, Return to Dust, have announced their long-awaited debut self-titled album, available on May 3rd via Jim Kaufman Productions. Accompanying the announcement, the band have also released their latest single, “Strangers” to give fans a glimpse at the upcoming record. Fans can listen to the track HERE, and watch the brand new video animated and directed by Callum Scott-Dyson HERE or at the link below.
With more new music on the way, Return to Dust are thrilled to announce the addition of their newest member, drummer London Hudson. This pivotal milestone not only marks a significant evolution in the band’s lineup, but also solidifies their core and amplifies their musical identity. As the band embark on their next chapter, they look forward to sharing the stage with him at all shows moving forward, including this year’s Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple.
Speaking on today’s album announcement, the band shares:
“The timeline for our self-titled album goes farther back than people realize. This record is our warmest welcome, because it comes from the most genuine of places, where we didn’t fully understand ourselves, and the world around us was rapidly changing. It’s a cataclysmic mess of emotions, growing pains, youth and maturity, and we’re proud to call it our first. Aptly named, this album is Return to Dust.“
Sharing insight on today’s single release, the band continues:
“Strangers was written amidst dark times. We were all recovering from family death and losing friends. We felt very alone in a crowded city. We worked grocery store jobs and often times sat in our car late night after a shift wondering when things would get better, and wondering if we were alone in this feeling. The Strangers music video depicts a very normal guy who found himself somewhere he didn’t want to be. His dreams haunt him and he feels he doesn’t belong. He quickly finds himself consumed by his thoughts and spit out as a version of himself completely different than he was.“
Expanding on the “Strangers” video, director and animator Callum Scott-Dyson adds:
“For the ‘Strangers’ video, we really wanted to capture the feeling of loneliness, isolation, alienation and the humdrum of daily life, living on the clock with no escape. Then we liked the idea of using his dreams to explore the negative stuff going on in his mind, and then having the dreams invade his daily life. In terms of the animation style, I really wanted to push the DIY stop motion vibe I’ve been honing lately, most the sets are made with card and clay and I made everything myself from scratch. The main note from the band once we were rolling was to keep the tone and visual style a little darker and subdued to most other animation so I enjoyed that challenge, working with a lot of washed out blues and greens. I’m really happy with how it’s come out and I hope people dig it when it drops!”
Earning a phenomenal 2 million TikTok views over the course of a weekend, see HERE, Return to Dust have soared to new heights. The TIkTok featuring the band’s single, “Belly Up” swiftly impacted the band’s trajectory – landing them over 3.1 million streams across DSPs, 57K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and 5.4 million total TikTok views. As the release of their debut record approaches, Return to Dust have truly cemented their position as a rising force in the industry.
Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, continue to gain traction and acclaim, solidifying themselves as mavericks in the current rock resurgence. Collaborating alongside renowned producer Jim Kaufman (Everclear, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet) and earning accolades from rock impresario, Allison Hagendorf, the band’s momentum remains unwavering. With their dynamic presence on TikTok, a rapidly growing streaming audience, and a loyal fan base, the band is gearing up for an exciting and promising future.
Stay tuned for what Return to Dust has in store, as they continue to make waves in the music scene and connect with their ever-expanding audience.