Duster’s fifth studio album, In Dreams, was released unexpectedly this past summer. Many fans were not expecting another album; the only related media to the album were singles containing a part two for Anhedonia and Ecstasy Cowgirl released 18 days prior to the release. However, fans were excited and surprised when they realized that this album explores a new style of music that they have never before seen from Duster. This album lacks the guitar work that Duster is typically well known for, but it still evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort like the rest of their albums.

The incorporation of electronic music gives this album a new, fresh vibe compared to their other albums. Even though this album explores new musical themes, it still falls under the genre of indie rock slowcore along with Duster’s other albums. For some, this album hits closer to home than any of their other albums.

Avid Duster fan, bass player and senior at Mark Keppel, Josue Venegas, had many things to say about the new Duster album. “The album as a whole has a heavy resemblance to the albums of old like Contemporary Movement (CM) [that was released in 2000] while retaining a lot of the sound of their self-titled [Duster]. It has melodies that resemble those on CM and overall general vibe even somewhat resembling those on Stratosphere.

“While many of the basslines are very flat and match the synth [and] keys which makes it sound like the self-titled. While not really innovating on much it does add something new, which is a pleasant surprise, the addition of an electric drum kit. The e-drums paired with the synth and key make it sound very pleasant and adds something that hasn’t really been seen before. Baking Tapes is unquestionably unique for its addition of an acoustic guitar in the opening which creates a very soothing and kind of nostalgic feel to the track as a whole kind of resembling Sprain and their approach to the genre as a whole.”

When Venegas was asked about the good and bad of the album, he said, “For the bad, the album can get a little repetitive at times as some of the tracks sound similar, and the melodies can get a little repetitive too. Another complaint I have is that I wish there was more variation from song to song but other than that there isn’t much in the way of complaints. This album has been a long time coming, as someone who has had a deep love for Duster for a little over two years. This has not disappointed me in the slightest, the mixing, the elegant guitar tracks, punchy bass and smooth vocal delivery brings tears to my eyes on many tracks. These tracks are just outright beautiful, to the point where I would genuinely want some of them played at my funeral. That’s how good they are. “Like a Movie” especially stands out in this album as being the best track on the entire album and even matches up to some of the best Duster tracks as a whole. 3 of the best tracks in no specific order definitely [has] to be, “It Isn’t Over”, “Like a Movie” and “Baking Tapes.”

Venegas’ final verdict on the album and its place amongst Duster’s other albums were as such: “Overall this album is definitely worth the 43 minute listen as it provides some of the best feeling vibes I’ve ever felt while listening to any album. Overall In Dreams by Duster brings more than a few tears to my eyes while listening to it. I will give this album a 8.8/10 and in the ranking of all albums by them it would have to go as Contemporary Movement, Stratosphere, In Dreams, Duster, Together, Remote Echos. Moods, Modes and lastly Capsule Losing Contact.” To finish off, what he thinks lies for Duster in the future, “I’m sure slowly they will fizzle out but they will hold a strong following as they always have.”

Julian Blanco, a junior at Mark Keppel, also resonated greatly with this album. He voiced, “In Dreams is less depressing and more somber compared to their previous works, which completely encapsulates you in sadness.” Duster’s sorrowful and unique sound can be accredited to their use of older recording equipment. They use cassette decks and tape machines to achieve the tone that they are most notorious for.

If you enjoy indie rock slowcore, or if you are looking for a fresh new album to listen to, In Dreams is certainly worth checking out. It pairs perfectly with a good book and a hot cup of tea on a rainy fall weekend.