The core of vocalist Brian Overfelt, guitarist Josh Jasperson and bassist/backup vocalist Matt Allen, all of El Granada, grew up together before forming a band in March 2005.
“Compared to people who grew up in big cities I think we have a great connection to the natural world,” said Allen. “The friendship of the band members seems really genuine and solid, based on seeing the same people and being surrounded by a community that knows everyone ... adds to the integrity, because there aren’t a lot of things you can do that go unnoticed.”
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The band reformed and recently re-emerged with a new drummer, David Lavey of Montara, and is now looking to the next level.
Integrity might be translated into drive for The Dust. Allen describes the music as “groove-based metal” with an emphasis on tight, saturated rhythm and percussion. “We all pretty much pretend we’re drummers,” he said.
They do no covers, preferring to focus on writing and honing the best performances they can.
Writing is a collaborative process for The Dust, said Allen. He and Jasperson usually come up with a groove on which the three instrumentalists build, adding bridges and riffs.
Overfelt listens to that and, said Allen, “what images or feelings of concepts come to him, based on the feeling of the song, he starts scribbling in his notebook,” drawing on his real-life experiences and those of friends, said Allen.
The songs that emerge vascillate from quiet grooves to high energy and a sound that “encourages your knees to bend and makes you want to dance to it,” Allen said.
As of April 5 the band will release its new CD, “Twenty-two,” named in tribute to the band and the years members have spent together.
And they are looking for gigs and new fans to believe in them.
The Dust can be reached at www.myspace.com/thedust.
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