---
title: Album Review: Alice Russell – To Dust
author: Chris Z
published: 2013-03-19
modified: 2013-03-19
section: Music
tags: album, Alice Russell, Heartbreaker, review, Soul, To Dust
canonical: https://www.stasheverything.com/album-review-alice-russell-to-dust/
source: Stash Everything
---

# Album Review: Alice Russell – To Dust

[![Alice Russell](https://www.stasheverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Alice-Russell-To-Dust-300x300.jpg)](https://www.stasheverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Alice-Russell-To-Dust.jpg)

*To Dust* is the first effort from Alice Russell since 2008’s acclaimed *Pot Of Gold*which also spawned a remix double set. On her latest offering we see the British songstress further explore her amazingly powerful vocals. Released via Brighton-based label, **Tru Thoughts,****Russell** again calls on her soulful yet delicate style to carry her work.

Alice has recently guested on Talking Heads**’** leader David Byrne’s solo LP, to add to collaborations with Mr Scruff, Quantic, DJ Yoda, Nostalgia 77 and lending her vocal stylings to the latest Fat Freddy’s Dropalbum.

First single ***Heartbreaker***, highlights the crisp production and eclectic influences that nestle alongside a love of vintage soul at the core of Alice Russell’s style. Russell’s versatility is showcased as she flutters overthe punchy Prince-esque strut of *Hard and Strong*and then into the epic intensity of the title track. On heartstring tugging tracks such as *I Loved You*, Alice is never less than scintillating as she displays her trademark raw emotion.

***To Dust*** doesn’t outwardly resemble a record made out of necessity, unbearable heartbreak or tragic despair. That said, there are moments – not least the semi-manic bass-line descents within *Let Go (Breakdown)* – where you’re given a mainline connection into Russell’s mindset.

Since the tragic yet seemingly inevitable demise of Amy Winehouse, British soul has been missing a star. [Adele](http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/cc2c9c3c-b7bc-4b8b-84d8-4fbd8779e493)‘s kitchen sink realism approach to the genre has proved a populist round peg in a square hole in that regard.

When *To Dust* takes flight, you don’t have to squint your ears too far to imagine **Alice Russell** as a worthy successor to that notional throne. Even if you suspect her leftfield-leaning tendencies might ultimately put paid to the possibility.

8/10

*You may also want to have a peek at these reviews:*[Freddie Joachim](https://www.stasheverything.com/lifestyle/album-review-freddie-joachim-fibreglass-kisses/), [The Weeknd](https://www.stasheverything.com/lifestyle/album-review-the-weeknd-trilogy/), [The Master](https://www.stasheverything.com/lifestyle/film-review-the-master/).

   [![Alice Russell](https://www.stasheverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Alice-Russell-300x300.jpg)](https://www.stasheverything.com/album-review-alice-russell-to-dust/alice-russell/)   Alice Russell   [![Alice Russell](https://www.stasheverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Alice-Russell-pic-300x300.jpeg)](https://www.stasheverything.com/album-review-alice-russell-to-dust/alice-russell-pic-2/)   Alice Russell