Joel Strauss makes an impressive debut with “Feather Dust Rust,” a rock album of melancholy chord progressions and poetic lyrics. The production has a great dirty quality, which gives the album an honest and artistic sound true to its indie roots. Strauss’ vocals are incredibly unique, and he gives an overall performance comparable to contemporary indie rockers The Long Winters, Death Cab For Cutie, and Tokyo Police Club. “Feather Dust Rust” immediately pulls you in with two upbeat rock tracks, "Stand Still" and "In Flight Dream," both infused with raw, hooky instrumentation and Strauss' unique melodies. "The Earliest Bird" transitions to a more down-tempo feel with heavy electro-percussion and hollowed out vocal sounds. The album satisfies the need for an intelligent indie rock sound and is definitely worth a listen from beginning to end. Fans of indie rock should give this excellent CD a listen.

Sick, sick album. Love the guitar lines. Your voice is so unique - very well done. Super impressed. Solid work.