While mostly known as being the lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist and co-founder of the post-hardcore band Thrice, Dustin Kensrue has never shied away from experimenting with other genres. Whether it’s his solo work that draws comparisons to a more modern Johnny Cash, or his indie rock praise and worship band The Modern Post, Dustin is nothing if not multifaceted.

On his third and latest solo record Desert Dreaming, released April 5th on BMG, Kensrue creates a beautiful alt-country record whose storytelling is very reminiscent of the great Lord Huron. Opening track & lead single Death Valley Honeymoon sets the tone for what fans can expect on Desert Dreaming. A whimsical folk ballad featuring Canadian singer/songwriter Cat Clyde, who sounds eerily similar to Patsy Cline, pairs lush harmonies over steel guitar. The second song to be released, High Scalers is an uptempo straightforward country western song that tells the story of the men who dangerously built the Hoover Dam. The southwest is the main theme across Desert Dreaming, as it’s title would suggest. This leads to some predictability on the album, which isn’t a bad thing, it just confirms that Dustin knew exactly the record he wanted to create. This cohesiveness is what keeps you drawn into the story being told across the 10 tracks. 

On his first two solo records, Kensrue’s gravelly voice is the focus, but on Desert Dreaming, his vocals are mixed perfectly with the lush instrumentations. Self-produced, Dustin did a beautiful job with this record.  The album flows perfectly from light and airy, to dark and haunting, without being jarring. Western Skies, my favorite song on the album, is an ominous ballad of reflection and regret that would make Johnny Cash proud. Kensrue belts out the lyrics “Now I’ve been lost without love for so long/Double crossed by my blood/And some goddamn country song” reaching Michael Bolton level vocals at times. 

There are so many standout tracks on Desert Dreaming that a few songs unfortunately get overshadowed. Sage & Lilac and The Light of The Moon kind of get lost towards the end of the record before the uptempo country western Leaving Tonight for Sante Fe wakes up the saloon and gets the party started.  The sweet, acoustic title track closes out Desert Dreaming. If you close your eyes, you can imagine sitting next to the love of your life in a bar, cocktail in hand near closing time. “We scoot together ‘til our chairs touch/sipping highballs from plastic cups/If this ain’t heaven, it’ll do till it comes.”

While diehard fans of Thrice may not embrace Dustin on Desert Dreaming, this is a beautiful alt-country folk record for fans of Jason Isbell, Zach Bryan, Ruston Kelly etc. Kensrue’s trademark vocals and his poetic lyrics really stand out.  No this may not be heaven Dustin, but it’ll do till it comes. 

Rating 8.9\10

Dustin Kensrue – Desert Dreaming
Release Date: 4/5/24
Track listing:

  1. Death Valley Honeymoon (feat. Cat Clyde)
  2. High Scalers
  3. Treasure in the West
  4. Lift Your Eyes
  5. Western Skies
  6. The Heart of Sedona
  7. Sage & Lilac
  8. The Light of the Moon
  9. Leaving Tonight for Santa Fe
  10. Desert Dreaming 

Reviewed by Jeremy Schmidt