Opening with the title of the song, Elijah Mann sings emotively, “Dust Storm Darlin’, where have you gone? I can’t for the life of me, find you through the darkening sun…” fused with an acoustic guitar.
As Dust Storm Darlin’ expands, we experience electric guitar and luscious strings creating a luxurious soundscape, as Elijah Mann delivers a powerful, moving and high concept song about grief and goodbyes.
The composition is inspired by the story of The Mars Opportunity Rover, and the Brooklyn-based electro-folk artist takes us on a celestial adventure with his sonic universe.
“My battery’s low, and it’s getting dark” was the last transmission sent to Earth by the 14 year old robot after getting caught in a planetary dust storm. In response, the scientists at NASA sent a recording of Billie Holliday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You”.
Speaking on his creative process, Elijah says, “This story was all I could think about as I flew to Alabama to see my grandmother for the last time.”
Elijah teamed up with producer Adam Tilzer for the fourth time, whose credits feature Keith Richards, Norah Jones, Joey Ramone, Beck, and more, although it is clear that Elijah is creating a frequency of his own.
He continues, “I know firsthand that the hardest goodbyes are the ones that feel inevitable. Dust Storm Darlin‘ entwines two such moments, one cherished and one cosmic.”
We have added Dust Storm Darlin‘ to our New Music Spotlight playlist and continue streaming Elijah Mann‘s wider discography including Cut to the Feeling and Noah.