Dustland Express is a breath of fresh air in the SA alternative rock scene with their interesting introspective lyrics and commentary, combined with a lucid musicality that combines complex rhythms and atmospheric elements. The band has crawled from the remains of previous musical projects such as Man in Suit and are now stronger than ever. The band consists of Scott Murcott (vocals), Kamil Govender (keyboard, guitar), Zack Viljoen (bass guitar), Gareth Ashton (guitar), Brendan Stubbs (guitar) and Michael Stephan (drums). Be sure to hop aboard the Dustland Express and take a trip to their five best tracks:
5. Flight of the Meek
There is something bigger in Dustland Express’s music and one can establish that at the first listen to their number, ‘Flight of the Meek’. The intro really feels as if the music is taking you on a journey with a great synth rhythm accompanied by drums and guitar to give it that full effect. The bass guitar in the verses also works perfectly in building up to the chorus. It always feels that each instrument and musical piece has its space in the song and that, in turn, enhances it entirely. The key change is also one of the highlights and something to keep an ear out for.
4. The Solution
This is one of my favourite Dustland Express songs, mainly because of the main guitar riff that hits you like a nail in the head right from the start. The entrancing piano melody from Kamil Govender in the first verse shifts it into a softer sound before the chorus picks it up again with Scott delivering a vocal line like no other as he reaches some stellar notes. The guitar work in this song should also get a mention. The bridge with its drawn out chords and keys should also receive a thumbs-up for keeping the song fresh.
3. The Voyage of Men
The storytelling and experimental side of Dustland Express’s music really come to the fore in this song with the theme of brokenness desperation and unfulfilled dreams coming to the fore. The Queen-like verses and choir effects really take it to a new level. The chorus is also really powerful and showcases the band’s ability to think out of the box and juxtapose elements to perfection. The chorus, ‘We have arrived, we have come to steal your bloated hearts, your little minds and your children, the gloat of your façade,’ is just an example of the type of lyrics this band pens down. Atmospheric and haunting would be the best way of describing this track.

2. Nemesis
Hearing this track for the first time with its eerie sounding piano intro makes you feel like you are entering a ‘Tim Burton’ movie. This’ coupled with the fact that this crazy song has a whole plethora of different musical genres packed into five minutes makes it number two on the list. The synth coupled with harsh electric guitar shredding and superb vocals urges the listener to listen. The chorus of ‘I, I, I, I’m your Nemesis,’ is also one of the song’s best feature and adds to its originality and catchiness. It is a track that simply can’t be described in words and should be listened to.
1. The Poetic Injustice of Rats
You have never heard a lead single like this before and this hit track from their new album, The Question Sir, is why, has all the elements that make it such an epic song. Haunting instrumentation, moody melodic passages, hard-hitting guitar driven choruses, classical violins and piano and, last but not least, the enigma of vocalist, Scott, who seems to effortlessly craft different vocal melodies in this entrancing track. The music video is also a definite must watch.

Dustland Express’ debut album The Question Sir, is Why is available on Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify and all major streaming services.

Here is the bandcamp link: https://dustlandexpress.bandcamp.com/