Recommended Rawk: Dusty Rose Gang, “A-One from Day One” (2025)

by Joseph Perry 

In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” column “Recommended Rawk,” Joseph shares news about current and recent rock album releases, news, and performances. 

A-One from Day One is the dynamic dose of feel-good rock and roll I need right now, and though I can’t truly speak for the world, I’m sure the world could use it, too. Seventies influenced with a sound that is Detroit born and bred, Dusty Rose Gang brings us roaring guitars, thunderous drums and bass, great vocals, and even just the right amount of cowbell! The result is a strong head-nodding, foot-tapping vibe throughout the album that is made to be played loud and proud. Following is the official press announcement and band bio.

For more information and to preview the album, visit https://www.ridingeasyrecs.com/

Hailing from the southwest side of Detroit, Michigan, Dusty Rose Gang makes music that sounds like a celebratory summer evening with friends on the beach of the city’s crown jewel, Belle Isle. The band’s feel-good rock & roll rests its laurels alongside many of the city’s musical heavyweights, bringing a swagger and heft present in the best of the MC5 and the Stooges, while balancing the subtle tones and attitude found in prime-era Sabbath, Queen, Jimi Hendrix and the Flower Travellin’ Band. It should be no surprise that the band’s songwriter, Dusty Rose, haunted the same high school halls as the MC5 at Lincoln Park High, as much of the attitude, poise and spirit can be found on the band’s A-One From Day One long player debut for the legendary Riding Easy Records. The songs shimmer and shake, shredding through solo after solo, while packing just enough hazy 70’s influence to make it sound like Dusty Rose Gang has been here all along. This is Detroit rock n’ roll made by lifers for lifers, the no-bullshit real deal that the Motor City has been breathing since before Gene Simmons coined the term “Detroit Rock City."

 

A-One From Day One was produced and recorded by Warren Defever at Free Party Bar, Hamtramck and mastered at Third Man Mastering. Engineered by Cam Frank. The album was recorded with Brett Donlon (bass), J. Rowe (drums, percussion), Kara Meister (backing vocals), and Warren Defever (mellotron, organ). The current line-up of Dusty Rose Gang features Dusty Rose (guitar, vocals), Brett Donlon (bass), Blake Hill (drums) and Josh Budiongan (guitar). 

RidingEasy Records releases Dusty Rose Gang’s A-One from Day One worldwide on LP, CD and download on May 16, 2025.