Desert Dreaming
BMG, 2024
9/10
Some of us will recognize Dustin Kensrue as the frontman for the post-hardcore outfit Thrice. On his own, things are much calmer, where his singer-songwriter ideas are met with alt-country, and Seth Richardson, Abe Levy, and James McAlister accompany him.
“Death Valley Honeymoon” starts the listen with Cat Clyde’s distinct vocals for the warm country spirit that benefits much from Levy’s pedal steel, and “High Scalers” follows with a bouncy and lush version of Americana, where Kensrue’s expressive voice suits the strong attention to mood.
Halfway through, “Western Skies” carries a poetic appeal, as a very heartfelt delivery benefits much from Richardson’s precise bass, while “Sage & Lilac” comes with a dance floor ready appeal that’s harmonic and playful.
Close to the end, “Leaving Tonight For Santa Fe” allows McAlister’s frisky drums that suit the nostalgic, rootsy flavor, and the title track exits with a dreamy, intimate moment of beauty and grace.
A body of work that’s inspired by childhood trips with his grandparents in the Sonoran Desert, Kensrue is on a path similar to other punk/hardcore luminaries like Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry via this love letter to the Southwest.
Travels well with: Butch Walker- Stay Gold; Dan Mangan- Being Somewhere