ninehertz

RidingEasy Records are known for unearthing old records from the 70s and giving them new life and exposure long since lost. But they also excel in the modern generation. Dusty Rose Gang are the perfect example of their incomparably good ear for modern day bands reviving long ago sounds.

I'm a minute in, and loving this, played straight after the incredible and equally retro release by El Saguaro, I feel like I'm travelling back in time. The label's promo for the release notes the heroes of the band's home town Detroit - MC5 and The Stooges - alongside not just the common Sabbath reference but tellingly Queen and The Flower Travellin' Band as influences - it converts into this danceable, brilliant music, if this doesn't bring a smile to your face then there's something up with you.

They exude such confidence and bravado on several tracks. Person of Light is one example, akin to the vibes set by Kadavar on their first couple of albums, whilst Party Back Jack's catchy biker punk riff opening gives way to a flowery and spritely Rolling Stones-esque flow. Even the 43 second interlude, with guitars soaked in multiple layers of psychedelic effects, is simply cool. Get this even slightly wrong, in 2025, and it'll come off as cheesy, but there's not an inch of it here, it is delivered spot on.

As it closes with another track labelled interlude, its relaxed tones bringing it to a chilled ending on a perfect note, you just have to admire what has proceeded it, incredible for a debut too. And then you just want to press play and start again.