Single review: DUST RADIO – Problem & Remedy

Bandcamp [Release date: 23.11.22]

‘Problem & Remedy’ is that rare thing, a beautifully crafted single and a succinct slice of acoustic blues.

It’s a delightful old fashioned single with real cinematic presence on which the music evokes the lyrical imagery and draws us into the kind of timeless sepia-tinged narrative that the duo have made their name with.

Dust Radio presumably take their name from the Chris Whitley track, though happily their tale of woe is not autobiographical.

The duo comprises Paddy Wells on expressive vocal and deep-toned ethereal harp and Tom Jackson’s percussive acoustic, electric and dobro.

They enjoy a symbiotic relationship with which they spin a beguiling tale built on lyrical contrast and cool dynamics.

We’re drawn into the short tale of ‘Sleepy Old Slim’, ‘Lisa sad Lisa’ and a slippery doomed gonzo style narrator, who is more a problem than a remedy: “I used to make gold wherever I roamed. Now it’s only grieving I see.”

At 1.54 Tom shifts from acoustic guitar to a short electric into dobro burst. He then slips back into the acoustic groove in a subtle example of tonal contrast in a minimalist context.

Wells’s southern-tinged vocal doesn’t compromise on diction and a result we’re drawn into the ironic humour of the narrative. His belated deeply wrought harp solo is the perfect foil for the repeated two line refrain and provides a cathartic release leading to the perfunctory foot stomping outro.

All that’s missing is a producer with a megaphone to shout; “That’s a wrap.”

*****

Review by Pete Feenstra

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

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SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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