SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FIREBUG – DUST AND ECHOES

FIREBUG
DUST AND ECHOES
BUDDHA BELT RECORDS

FireBug has been making music since 2017. The core of FireBug is Juliette Tworsey (lead vocal, guitar, slide guitar, piano, organ) and Jules Shapiro (lead guitar, synthesizer, bass). This EP, Dust and Echoes, is their first release since 2022’s No Return. And although it is only four songs, the EP packs a punch. Dust and Echoes is a live EP recorded at the famous Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown, CA, in front of an appreciative audience.

And what is not to appreciate? Both have incredibly powerful and strong voices that tear at the listener’s very soul. This music is southern blues with some country and rockabilly mixed in to give FireBug their own distinct sound. The music grinds with tasteful slide guitar solos that make the entire sound alive and electric.

The instruments mix and duel throughout (they do have additional help in concert) the songs like “Desert Road” where the organ drifts in for an incredible solo and then seems to fade. The song arrangements are important and what sets them apart from other music of this genre. Then a song like “Waiting To Die” could have been something Janis Joplin could have covered, because it has that rocking blues sound.

Dust and Echoes is a well recorded live album that serves as a sampler for FireBug. If, after listening to this EP, you do not find yourself searching out more by this band, then you might not have been paying attention. This is gritty, authentic Southern blues rock with FireBug’s own distinct style. Dust and Echoes is the perfect name for the EP, as you can feel the dryness and dirt as you sit in the roadhouse listening to this band give it their all.

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