CC DUST is a new duo from Olympia, Washington featuring Maryjane Dunphe and David Jaques. Channeling an elemental life-force hewn straight from the heart, Dunphe's voice bursts into every melodic line, a cracked, soulful instrument powered by conviction, duetting, duelling and dancing with Jaques' crisp production. A light that casts shadow, CC Dust is doomed, romantic music anchored by Jaques' live bass and the powerful performance values Dunphe has honed both in her punk group VEXX and in various film and performance projects. Musically, CC Dust's precedents might be considered the European synth pop originators of the early 80s, there's also an abundance of low-end hooks played on baritone and bass guitars that teases the ear like early New Order productions, but in Dunphe's passionate vocal performances there's a close-to-the-bone reality that bypasses cool detachment. Their self-titled debut explodes with Never Going To Die, an anthem for the seizing of the day, the rush of standing on the edge looking outwards, invincible. Tonopah slithers into view, Jaques baritone guitar weaving patterns around Dunphes voice before the emotion swells in the chorus. Baby Boy is decidedly more ominous, a slow burner that climaxes in an incredible falsetto performance. Abra is another high point, a sweeping waltz that spins the listener around into a tumult, a bittersweet accompaniment to the opening track. Mutiny feels like the end of a phase in your life "let's be rid of our obsessions, don't you agree" begs Dunphe, sounding as obsessed and passionate as ever. It's an ode to desire, the euphoria it grants and the consequences. CC Dust play and write real songs lived. A desire for desire. What is it How does it manifest Is it all worth the tumult CC Dust offer no answers as there are none, but they ask the right questions in a life-affirming way. Doomed, romantic, unanswerable and vital.
300 Copies on Vinyl only.
