Mirrorball - “Red Hot Dust”

Coming at you from Los Angeles, it’s the dream pop act Mirrorball and their new release, “Red Hot Dust.” The duo consists of Alexandra Johnstone and Scott Watson, and the two of them have cooked up quite a musical dish.

This one begins with a moderately-paced drum pattern and a piano that confidently pounds out the rhythm atop the bass’ foundation. It is slightly reminiscent of Air, or, at least, what I can remember of them after my ex left the soundtrack to The Virgin Suicides in my car. The sound is dreamy and sublime and will wash over you as though it’s been months since you’ve felt any peace.

The vocals of “Red Hot Dust” contain this same sensation. They sound as though they’ve been expertly doubled and they enter your ears the same way that the tide rolls in as it softens the sand. All of this occurs as a synth pads the underbelly of the track and the hook eases itself right into you. Quite honestly, we became so entranced in the sound, that the song did not even need a chorus, but here we are, vibing to it nonetheless.

When Mirroroball sent this one over to us, they said: “take a dreamy drive up the foggy, tree-lined coast before the sun comes up unfolding into the pink open desert,” so it makes perfect sense that this song causes us to imagine those late night car rides that lead to nothing more than clearing one’s head. Admittedly, we are still not completely familiar with the genre of dream pop, but we know a good track when we hear one and “Red Hot Dust” has all the makings to be the next song that you add to your “I need to feel good about something” playlist. Enjoy.

-TM