The truly out of this world album Stratosphere, by the indie rock group Duster is set to release physical copies of their 25th anniversary special edition on September 29th, 2023. The original 1998 release of the record was only the start of their career, despite an eighteen-year hiatus. The band amassed over seven billion views across apps like TikTok. The album gained its astronomical nickname from its honor of being launched up into space to be remembered for generations to come. In addition to this the iconic album cover will be videoed in 4K during the launch. There is also limited merchandise to accompany the celebration. It is a huge accomplishment and proves the impact the band has already made on the industry.
The first four tracks on the record depict a dreamscape. Captivating listeners with smooth electric guitar melodies flowing in and out, and a soft drum to keep the time. With time, some music and pop culture does not age well, this 25th anniversary release proves Duster stroke gold and caught magic with this project. “Gold Dust” is a standout from this set of songs, beautifully pulling the listener in and painting the world around them. Duster’s ability to nail a vision and idea so abstract yet so real is a line not many even dare to attempt, while duster aces it.
“Inside Out” is a song users may recognize if they are familiar with TikTok. The song’s moody and somber tone clicked with the modern audiences. The driving repetition of the guitar and the soft, defeated lead vocals pull the listener close and meet them right where they are. Duster’s connection to an audience is commendable and obvious throughout, it’s clear why this band needed to come out of their long hiatus. The hook gut punches at the very end saying, “She’ll walk through my heart / those eyes light a fire in my stomach / fall apart from the inside out.”
The title track “Stratosphere” is purely instrumental. The long, gritty chords lead to an uneasy feeling that never truly feels resolved. The nearly seven-minute track plays a lot with experimentation, having the drums slowly fade in yet still feeling distant somehow. The drums come in and out and the instruments never really settle on anything. It is a song worth having a conversation about, what does it mean? What is the intention behind this decision? It is clear how thoughtful it is but how open it has been left to allow room for interpretation and curiosity.
Overall, it is an astonishing listen from front to back. A collection of songs that always leaves something new to discover or interpret. They are songs that will be studied for years to come, and all the marveling that is currently happening proves that. Duster has found a unique, brilliant sound that shows how alive art can still be in commercial music. They make the argument for the importance of an album and what can be done when the collection of songs is actually more of a conversation with the listener. So be sure to go get your copy of the anniversary edition on September 29th, 2023, as well as some of the fun merchandise!
Written by Katie Power
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