The haunting cadence of Sydney’s Eternal Dust welcomes listeners to a mystic world of occultism and bliss. The trio released their self-titled debut EP in December via Dero Arcade but it has remained a hidden secret.
The group’s sound relishes in sparse instrumentals channeled by a romantic fervor in Singer Ebonny Munro’s feathery vocals and hard-to-decipher lyrics. Guitarist Oscar Sulich hosts shimmering phrases that brim with sadness accompanied by Finn Bakers pulsating bass grooves.
The band formed in 2019, but all three members have been playing alongside one other for much longer. The trio began with free-form sessions on the porch of their Sydney home. There was no threat of noise complaints because they were neighbors with the largest gay nightclub in the city, ARQ. Through these loose jams and the idle eyes of onlooking drag queens throughout the evening, Eternal Dusts’s music naturally became an ode to the mysteries of the night.
Eternal Dust EP is a concise package that clocks in at only 21 minutes.
“Intro” is an exceptional opener that places the listener within a Lynchian landscape that expands with a wall of noise and Munro’s siren-esque vocals.
“Salome” takes inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s play of the same title, as well as the romantic tragedy that transpires within it. The track is reserved but highlights the band’s ability to fill empty space when the moment is right.
“Garden of Ecstasy” drips with passion and a syncopated drum machine pattern made for a sweltering gothic dance night.
The EP concludes with the seven-minute brooding track “Padlock.” Munro’s synth leads take center stage contrasting with Finn’s downtrodden bass creating an emotive portrait of endless longing.
Eternal Dust illustrates the dread of being left in isolation, the need to be loved.
Essential Tracks: “Intro,” “Salome” and “Padlock”
Prerequisites: The Cure’s Pornography and Cocteau Twins’ Treasure