RETURN TO DUST’S SHOWSTOPPING ABILITY TO CAPTIVATE ANY CROWD
Return to Dust is the definition of what it means to be a band for this generation: one of hard work and true passion. They bring the modern day grunge scene to light. Consisting of Matty Bielawski on guitar and vocals, Graham Stanush on bass and vocals, Sebastian Gonzalez on guitar, and London Hudson on drums, the young musicians have dedicated their lives to this project since their formation in 2022, pouring every ounce of themselves into their music.
The second the first kick of the drum bounced off the walls and the strum of the electric guitar hit the speakers, Bielawski’s vocals boomed through the large room. On tour with Breaking Benjamin, Return to Dust made sure to use every second of their opening slot. They took the stage with determination, ready to excite and energize each person in the 16,000-cap Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
The band was formed with the help of artist and producer Jim Kauffman who is known for helping bands craft their alternative sound while honoring the history of the genre. Kaufman met Bielawski and Stanush through his intern and overheard them strumming around on guitar. He instantly knew there was something special about them. Kaufman told the two young men, “move to LA and I’ll make you a record.” The two left their small town in Texas and moved to LA, trusting Kaufman's vision. Return to Dust went on to make their debut self-titled album and left lasting impressions on many respected musicians including rock band Sevendust who asked them to join their 2024 “Seasons 21st Anniversary Tour.” Just this year, the band has toured with Billy Corgan and The Machines of God, Dorothy and Pop Evil.
Their most recent release Speak Like The Dead speaks on the nuances of the world, the emotions that being alive brings and the personal hardships each member has faced. Each of the members bring their own personal style to their collective sound. The six-song EP is laced with entrancing vocals, guitars that make you pull one of those stank faces (you know the one), and drums that you have no choice but to air drum along to.
“The camaraderie of the band is really inspiring,” the band shared about their musical inspirations. “The fact that we all do things together, we’re sharing all these experiences at once and growing together. Feeling them all at once, and we’re all musicians, so we can share them with the world.”
They opened with the fifth track on their new album, “Summer Rain.” The song begins with a striking guitar riff and perfectly controlled belts from Bielawski: “I was just a boy / Battered left for dead / Is my grief a toy? / Was I meant for sin?” Through their somber lyrics, Return to Dust creates a dark, yet captivating presence. Everyone in the band sports long locks, which only adds to this. Whipping their hair around with each strum of guitar and every hit of the drum makes for a performance you don't want to take your eyes off of.
The band presents themselves with a confidence that can only come with trusting your music and your vision. It is very apparent that they have put every last ounce of themselves into their music, ready to share it with the world…And we are so ready to continue to rock out to Return to Dust.
Setlist:
Summer Rain
Disarray
Shine
Abyss
Downfall
Black Road
Bored
Belly Up
