Dustin Koykas - Destinations
Dustin Koykas is 28 year old hailing from Northern New Jersey just outside New York. Beginning playing guitar around the age of 14, Dustin is majority self taught and has tried to remain unique while playing relevant and catchy music. Dustin also works as a freelance audio engineer which gave him the skills to record and mix this album.
If asked to describe the album Dustin would say this:
“This album is the culmination of many years of writing and playing brought together. Some songs are well over 10 years old and some brand new. I named it Destinations as it is almost a photograph of the different places I have been in my life, each song represents part of me. “
“The majority of this album is written in the DADGAD guitar tuning. I first heard this as many did in Kashmir by Led Zeppelin and then I began to explore deeper. This led me to many folk, Irish, English and some Eastern and African music, and to the man who really brought all those together Davy Graham. Inspired by the variety and uniqueness of Davy’s playing I really shaped this album especially in the later years.”
This album is dedicated to the memory of Davy Graham who’s playing inspired much of it.
Destinations is an exceptional album that uses instrumental guitar to sooth the soul, from the first song it was a stunning realization of his talent. The beautiful guitar and compliments of light percussion in certain sections make for a cinematic, relaxing experience.
Evoking conflicted emotions through minor chords and dramatic developments, the album is intriguing and a unique piece of art, with massive senses of originality throughout.
One song that really caught my attention was "Strolling" - The track reignites the bluesy spark of the past, with Jazzmaster sounding electric tones and backing instruments of light hits and beats really make for a well rounded, upbeat song. You'll be sure to catch yourself grooving along the road whilst Strolling to "Strolling", Pun intended
The introduction track however, differs from "Strolling"... The title is "Dream and Days" and I must say, it really is a dreamy, calm, acoustic instrumental... It cresends and builds throughout, but never going too over-the-top. The prominent consequential key changes add a atmospheric feeling of a hidden complot, and depth to fulfil the track.
Gemini and Temperance the 5th and 6th tracks, remind me of a loving relationship, the songs seem to flow with eachother, yet they still have differences that set them apart, splitting them into two. Gemini has a more dark, medieval feel that give the track a progressive, disjointed feel that perfectly works in the albums favour, keeping things feelings fresh when they could so easily feel repetitive, and Temperance has a more upbeat style, a fresh and happy, spring tune.. they contrast with each other so much that they connect the album. The layered riffs and chords in Temperance prove it’s appeal lies not just in its ambient delivery, but in the images it conjures, and the stories it could soundtrack.
The quality of the album overall is crisp and clean, it feels almost like your sat in a cosy room, listening to Dustin live. To know that it was recorded and mixed by himself, in his apartment, makes it even more truly incredible.
"Blue Sunrise" is the finale track of the nearly 30 minute album, at 4 minutes long, this is also the longest track. Featuring dystopian electric tones and distortion, it truly is an action packed song, that leaves you on the edge of your seat urging for more pictorial instrumentals from Dustin Koykas. This track is entirely innovative and couldn’t be labelled to another artist.
Even though the album is instrumental, it feels as though there's a story, there is a tale, there is an understanding of narrative, dilemma, and structure in the soundscape. Dustin is working on an album that is due to be released before the end of the year so you keep your eyes, (and ears) peeled!
Check Dustin out on Instagram here!
