Gold Dust is back with an album that’s as intriguing as its title—‘In the Shade of the Living Light’. Dropping on May 16th, the album launches with a standout track, An Early Translation of a Later Work, featuring an unexpected twist: J. Mascis on electric sitar.
“An early translation can be groundbreaking, beautiful, and flawed. A later translation can be defanged of its urgency, but more accurate to the literal text. Neither is necessarily better than the other—it all depends on perspective.
What is any of this but an attempt to translate hazy grey amorphous experience into something tangible, something we can hold and understand? We’re all trying to make sense of a lot of things—things we may never fully answer in this lifetime. Sitting with unknowing, or sitting with the multitude of translations of the same text (as a metaphor for the self, naturally): that’s a life’s work.”
– Stephen Pierce
This isn’t just an album drop; it’s a call to pre-order ‘In the Shade of the Living Light’ and dive into the unique blend of sounds and stories that Gold Dust has crafted.
A Band with Heart and History
Gold Dust isn’t merely a musical group—they’re a vibrant family. In a world that often feels isolating, their community shines as a beacon of support and creativity. The journey began four years ago when Western Massachusetts musician Stephen Pierce took a bold leap from DIY punk into the realms of traditional folk and psychedelia. What started as a solo adventure soon blossomed into a collective, with albums like 2021’s self-titled debut and 2022’s ‘The Late Great Gold Dust’ paving the way for the current chapter.
Now, with ‘In the Shade of the Living Light,’ Pierce and his bandmates Ally Einbinder (guitar, formerly of Potty Mouth), Adam Reid (drums, of Nanny), and Sean Greene (bass, of The Van Pelt) come together as a four-piece powerhouse. Their music—a compelling mix of hypnotic folk rock, cosmic cowboy reveries, and unexpected sonic twists—embraces you with soaring guitar lines, warm vocal harmonies, and a rhythmic heart that never quits.
Crafting a Sound That’s All Their Own
Pierce explains that the album feels like a journey of self-discovery. “I look at this as a band starting to figure out who they are by leaning into regionalism,” he says. He reminisces about a time when distinct sounds emerged from different corners of the world—a nostalgic nod to rural New England’s unique musical vibe. This record is Pierce’s way of connecting the varied threads of his musical influences to something deeply personal and evocative of home.
Initially, these songs—raw and deeply personal—were ones Pierce might have shelved. But with the heartfelt encouragement of Ally, Adam, and Sean, they evolved into a project that serves as both a creative rebirth and a tribute to the power of community. Inspired by the writings of 11th-century philosopher Hildegard of Bingen, the album’s title reflects this interplay of light and shadow—a reconciliation of the difficult with the beautiful.
A Sonic Tapestry of Collaboration
‘In the Shade of the Living Light’ is not just a testament to Gold Dust’s evolution; it’s also a celebration of collaboration. With production led by Justin Pizzoferrato at Sonelab in Easthampton, the album features contributions from an extended musical family. Backing vocals come from the likes of Gretchen Williams (Kindling), Meghan Minior (Ampere), and Josh Robbins (Late Bloomer). The album is sprinkled with additional textures from Fred Thomas on vocals and synth, Anthony Saffery (Cornershop) on sitar, Drew Gardner (Elkhorn) on vibraphone, and a jaw-dropping electric sitar solo by J. Mascis that rounds out An Early Translation of a Later Work. Even the liner notes have been lovingly penned by Sean Yeaton of Parquet Courts, accompanied by an album zine that adds an extra layer of artful storytelling.
Tracks like the electrifying opener Whatever’s Left burst with innovative guitar work and Pierce’s steady, heartfelt vocals, setting the stage for what is perhaps the most intricate record Gold Dust has ever made. “I’m prouder of that song than I think I am of anything else we’ve released,” Pierce reflects on Mascis’ contribution, hinting that the song is a sonic signpost for the band’s future.
The Heartbeat of ‘In the Shade of the Living Light’
At its core, this album is about finding beauty in the duality of life—where light meets darkness and every shadow holds a spark of brilliance. It’s a record that invites you to explore the complex territory of human experience, with every track serving as a reminder that there’s comfort and meaning to be found in the journey, even when the destination remains elusive.
Gold Dust’s ‘In the Shade of the Living Light’ isn’t just a musical release—it’s a heartfelt story of community, transformation, and the art of making sense of life’s mysteries together. Pre-order now, and get ready to be enveloped in a world where every note is a brushstroke on the canvas of shared experience.
Pre-order ‘In the Shade of the Living Light’ now
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