Dust on the Radio are a quintet from Los Angeles, interweaving New Wave and Post-Punk influences from the 70s and 80s for a dark and sleek effect. On their new EP, Halfway To The Stars, Dust on the Radio simultaneously capture both the arty and poppy side of New York’s original punk scene, taking in the rhythms and unabashed instrumental proficiency of Talking Heads and Television, and the garage strut of early Blondie and The New York Dolls. Guitarist/Vocalist Chris Williams’ croon itself is more reminiscent of a rawer, less-suave Bryan Ferry.
The addition of keys and synthesizers is a really welcome surprise, because they come in where you wouldn’t naturally expect them yet they add another New Wave dimension to their sound. The band especially channels The Cars on “Every Day,” and even at their broodiest they retain a certain Rock and Roll swagger as on “The Camera Loves You.” Post-Punk and New Wave aren’t necessarily two genres you’d think go together, as they’re inherently opposed to one another, but Dust on the Radio shape the two into something new and wholly unique. It’s ambitious and for the most part works. Halfway To The Stars is a fascinatingly sleek and effective creation, and it will be released January 20th.
