A soft and soothing hug of warm folk, Frances Luke Accord’s tender song “Dust to Dust” is a welcome meditation on change, isolation, personal growth and responsibility, and so much more.
Stream: “Dust to Dust” – Frances Luke Accord
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The new year welcomes a time of reflection, and Chicago’s Frances Luke Accord have just the song to soundtrack our inner journeys. A soft and soothing hug of warm folk, “Dust to Dust” is a welcome meditation on change, isolation, personal growth and responsibility, and so much more: A record that is as much an observance, as it is a direct response to 2020’s life and times.
hearing by the noise
singing by the voice
seeing by the sight
lightness by the light
righteousness by right
power by control
will by young and old
power in the tone
marrow from the bone
young by being old
this is what we’re told
and this is how we know
and this is what i think
a player and a string
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering “Dust to Dust,” Frances Luke Accord’s first single since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chicago pair of Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers last released the single “Thank You,” Derrick Watson” (also premiered on Atwood) back in October 2019. Described as breezy and heartwarming, the one-off track payed tribute to Derrick Watson, the United States District Judge who famously blocked Trump’s Muslim travel ban in 2017.
“Dust to Dust” is more cerebral than its 2019 predecessor, but it’s just as wondrous and perhaps even more lilting. Developed in 2020’s turmoil and built both off present-day observations and dreams of a better tomorrow, the track flows with an easy, hypnotizing lilt: Sweet, soaring, and seductive, it’s a gorgeous kickoff to a new year we’re hoping will be far better than the last.
if only I had a diamond ring of my own
i’d take it to market and I’d fly back home
blow the old house down, build a new in town
fill a ring shaped hole
“Written and recorded in isolation, our new single “Dust to Dust” combines children’s nursery rhymes, Sufi poetry and personal reflection to form a meditation on loneliness and a changing planet ravaged by catastrophe,” Frances Luke Accord tell Atwood Magazine. “Like many other bands, we have been unable to meet in the flesh since quarantine began in early 2020. “Dust to Dust” was recorded remotely from each member’s home studio, with additional contributions from Don Mitchell of Darlingside (production), Chris Dupont (electric guitar), and Luke Jackson (drums).”
On its surface, “Dust to Dust” feels like an incredibly simple tune – and in point of fact, it is – but it’s those tiny decisions, like up-close vocal recording, extra reverb on Dupont’s faraway electric guitar work, and those hearty, solemn whistled notes, that have long made Frances Luke Accord a staple of the modern American folk diet. Their musicianship has long been built off emotion, substance, and sonic beauty, and they reinforce those values on “Dust to Dust.”
ruby in the sun
planet on the run
pocket full of ash
ripping off the mask
sky that tears in half
earth that we exhume
change is coming soon
you howl from your lonely mountain at night
still pennin’ the secrets I know you’d like
to let go the most give up your ghost
for a brand new life
hearing by the noise
singing by the voice
seeing by the sight
lightness by the light
darkness by the night
calm before the storm
die ‘fore being born
Frances Luke Accord released their debut album Fluke in 2016. “Dust to Dust” is the first release off their forthcoming sophomore LP, set for release in later 2021. Stream the band’s new single exclusively on Atwood Magazine ahead of its January 15th release, and stay tuned for more inspired sounds and songs from the Chicago outfit as they make 2021 a return to form for one of the Midwest’s premier folk outfits.
power in the tone
marrow from the bone
young by being old
this is what we’re told
and this is how we know
and this is what i think
— —
Stream: “Dust to Dust” – Frances Luke Accord
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