Neil Murray returns with another folksy, country, rock, spiritual indigenous kind of thing. While I have to admit it's a very competently played little album that brings aboard some good supporting roles from Christine Anu and David Bridie, it doesn't quite shake the world.

There is an awful tendency to wander through traditional pub rock corners, musically, and old lyrical themes, both politically and romantically, without the help of a decent hookline. For this reason I can't see a huge amount of crossover to the mainstream or even much worship from those in the independent scene.

I've tried to like Dust I swear I have, what being Australian product and all, but when it gets down to asking the big question, "would I pay $30 for this album?" the answer has to be, "well no not really". Yet despite this there are moments. The opening track "Spirit" is a real gem. Subtle, insinuating, with a great sense of space, it eases into the subconscious after a couple of listens. Then there is "Coolamon Moon", a sort of modern Australian Johnny Cash sound that make me think of tumbleweeds, swinging saloon doors and empty dust-encrusted bottles of VB. The track "Menindee" is a narrative of the Bourke and Wills expedition which chuckles me almost, with it's first person commentary, sung in a rocky country and western style. Thereafter alas, the album drops into droll and finishes with a twee environmentally patriotic number called "Native Born". Political correctness has a lot to answer for.