Over the years London outfit Desperate Journalist have taken their once post-punk sound and expanded it vastly into multiple areas of rock, transcending any one given title, rather simply great music. With their new album Gilding the Lily set to land November 20th on Fierce Panda Records, Desperate Journalist have stepped up with their latest single ‘Dust’, which is featured on the forthcoming record.
‘Dust’ is a lush and extremely polished indie cut that finds the band delivering tight instrumentation whilst operating within a more subtle space. With singer Jo Bevan vocally in top form, the chorus has a pop appeal that can navigate the mainstream charts without feeling forced. Desperate Journalist continue to quality music without compromise.
Along with the single, Desperate Journalist have also shared an accompanying video which you can watch below.
Touching on the track Jo Bevan stated:
“Dust’ originated as a semi-demo with a name including the phrase “loads of chords” and, whilst I thought the progression was lovely, it took me a long time to figure out a melodic and lyrical structure which fit it. I settled on something inspired a bit by Furniture’s ‘Brilliant Mind’, a song I adore and which also has lots of flowing movement under a fairly restrained verse melody. Rob suggested starting the vocals of the verses early, which led to the “So…” opening, a very louche touch and something I’ve always wanted to do.
The chords and general feel reminded me of road movies and open skies, and the idea/trope of two people running away from different lives and briefly convening in the same transitory place eg a motel. The chorus is the real or imagined ambivalent voice of the ones they left behind. The middle 8 was also originally twice as long and if I had my way it would be even longer as it’s one of my favourite parts of the album (the album version in fact has a lo-fi radio metallic reprise of this section). I am also really proud of the harmonies on the choruses, especially at the end – I think they provide the right kind of cold early morning sunshine.”
Live Dates
Oct 24th – O2 Academy, Leeds (w/ The Wedding Present)
Oct 30th – Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (w/ The Wedding Present)
Nov 7th – Hope & Ruin, Brighton
Nov 14th – Butlin’s Shiiine On Festival, Minehead
Dec 10th – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Dec 11th – Locker @ New Century, Manchester
Dec 12th – Bodega, Nottingham
Dec 13th – The Exchange, Bristol
Dec 16th – The Garage, London
Jan 15th – Portland Arms, Cambridge
Jan 16th – Lending Room, Leeds
Purchase tickets here.