Lightning Dust

Out from the shadow of Black Mountain come Lightning Dust, a project where the days are dark, the nights are darker and that light at the end of the tunnel just burnt out. The group consist of Vancouver’s Amber Webber and Joshua Wells, best known for playing the parts of Black Mountain’s female vocalist and drummer, respectively. But don’t expect the bad boogie ballin’ or chunky riffage of their parent project on this debut. Lightning Dust are a much more sombre, heavy-hearted outfit, drawing on softly hit pianos, vintage synths and delicate guitars. The duo also make use of some drums and strings now and again but generally, the instrumentation is kept to a minimum. Instead, the light is shone on Webber’s quavering, theatrical voice. And for the most part, she has the vocal strength to keep these ghostly songs afloat. Songs such as the keyboard-loaded "When You Go” and breathtaking "Days Go By” are beautifully composed tracks that are ideal for rain-riddled afternoons or late night contemplation. Only on a few does Webber perhaps overreach and venture into the melodramatic, such as with "Breathe.” Lightning Dust may not put a smile on your face but not all great music has to.