Dazed & Confused Provide Vivid Versatility with Debut Album ‘RUST’

Eclectic Edinburgh quartet Dazed & Confused’s debut album is everything you expect from a psychedelic rock album. Whether you’re in the mood for ballads or classic rock-influenced tracks, RUST has a song or two for you. 

The four-piece is fronted by Callum O’Reilly with vocals being supplemented by guitarist Ruariadh Rattray-Cruikshank. Providing thunderous foundations are bassist Archie Brewis and drummer Alfie Smith. Also featuring via cello and harmonising vocals is fellow Edinburgh artist Kirstie Maclean. Produced by Mark Morrow, the 11-track album has an addicting amalgamation of influences. 

From the opening track ‘Dawn’, to the closing tune ‘Dusk’, 'RUST’ dances between ballads and foot-tapping tempos. ‘Dawn’ acts as an introduction to the album. Completely instrumental, it somehow encapsulates the entire feel of the record before you even truly get into it. The second song ‘Come Around’ was one of five singles and is one of the more upbeat tunes. Alongside singles like ‘Burn’ and ‘Swamp Song’, catchy choruses are merged with electrifying solos and steady foundations that will have you singing and moving along in no time. 

‘Grace’ and ‘Let Me Leave’ feel like two sides of the same coin. Both are divine descriptions of the little details you notice in someone. “For your lips like honey I plead”, is just one lyric in ‘Grace’ that perfectly shows this. The latter track takes a more emotional route. It discusses the feelings that these little details create, or perhaps the aftermath of experiencing them. ‘Let Me Leave’ is an escapade for emotions with wording like “walked back in, re-broke my heart,” and “why won’t this empty feeling leave”. 

Glorious guitar work, which would make Steve Hackett proud, is a theme across 'RUST’, and it is intertwined with vibrant verses of funk-infused basslines and drumming. ‘Where To Take It Now’ and ‘Snake Queen’ are perfect examples of this. Like ‘Let Me Leave’, ‘Where To Take It Now’ is more observant with lyrics like, “act shy but you’re self-assured". While it appeals to an emotional side, it is upbeat and vibrant. However, ‘Snake Queen’ deals with the fall out of a relationship, “you’re twisting my words round/you knew what I meant”. This latter track makes for very easy listening, with vocal harmonies between Ruariadh and Callum effortlessly elevating it to a new level. 

With tremendously triumphant tempos, comes a temperamental side. Dazed & Confused’s debut has demonstrated a mature ability to merge fun with ballads. Don’t be put off, though, as these aren’t your basic piano ballads. While ‘Closer’ has some piano in it, this is well-balanced into a statement selection of Archie’s basslines and Alfie’s drumming. Ruariadh takes the lead on vocals, with Callum seamlessly taking over for choruses. Alongside a carefully curated crescendo towards the end, there’s a stunning simplicity with ‘Closer’ that will have you listening on repeat. 

The penultimate tune ‘Cream’ is another ballad. This was also the title track of the band's most recent EP, housing most of the record’s singles. Its poignant penmanship demonstrates yet again how it's okay to let yourself be vulnerable by reflecting on past experiences. ‘Dusk’ acts as a conclusion, utilising the same melody as ‘Dawn’. This creates a seamlessly linear listening process, giving an end to ‘RUST’ that is as enticing and as atmospheric as the opening track. 

‘RUST’ is truly an observational odyssey, revelling in themes of relationships and revealing raw emotions. It is a solid album that has picture painting portrayals similar to that of artists like Bob Dylan.

Morgan Grace Hermiston

@m.g.hermiston

Image: 'RUST' Official Album Cover

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