The latest Cardboard Sessions video delivers a powerful punch of raw rock energy, this time courtesy of rising alt-rock band Return to Dust. Fresh off the road where they’re opening for Billy Corgan and The Machines of God, the young trio steps into the historic Village Studios in Santa Monica, which used to be a Masonic Temple, to let loose on instruments made entirely from cardboard.
The two-part session is a thrilling showcase of the band’s heavy yet melodic sound, pulled straight from the pages of ‘90s rock but filtered through their own contemporary lens. The first performance, “Face Down”, is now available to watch, with the second track, “Strangers”, set to release tomorrow, June 17, 2025. Both songs are pulled from their recently released, self-titled debut album, and both sound surprisingly full-bodied—even when performed on cardboard-crafted gear.
The video, directed and produced by Dave Lee and Marc Wierenga, sees the four-piece band deliver their awesome hard rock that has a hint of nostalgia, live in a studio. Their chemistry as a band is undeniable with some flawless harmony vocals that transcend their uniqueness to a whole other level all while they riff and jam, demonstrating their undeniably skilful guitar and drum playing. Consisting of Matty Bielawski (Guitar/Vocals), Graham Stanush (Bass/Vocals), Sebastian Gonzalez (Lead Guitar), and London Hudson (Drums), Return to Dust impresses with “Face Down”, giving those cardboard instruments their all.
Drummer London Hudson admitted he was taken aback, saying: “I expected [the drums] to sound a lot more flat and not as warm and more dead, but it has really nice resonance to it. Super dope.” Whereas guitarist Matty Bielawski summed it up more bluntly: “Man, you can really beat the shit out of these [cardboard] guitars.”
This session marks another standout entry in the Cardboard Sessions video series, a creative collaboration between Signal Snowboards and Ernest Packaging, whose off-the-wall innovation has given us cardboard-crafted instruments that actually work. The project first launched in 2022 with a debut video featuring Jon Theodore and Isaiah Mitchell, and has since drawn in big names like ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Matt Sorum, Pete Yorn, Daru Jones, J Mascis, and even Dogstar, the band that famously features Keanu Reeves on bass. On top of that, Meg Myers gave one of the most soul-baring performances to date, which we previously explored in a profile piece on Good Star Vibes.
Return to Dust’s contribution, however, feels especially charged, not only because of their youth and momentum but because of how naturally they throw themselves into the challenge. While the band arrives knowing what they’re going to perform, the true unpredictability comes from using instruments they’ve never touched before. That tension between preparation and novelty brings an added layer of electricity to their emotionally driven riffs, gritty vocals, and punchy rhythms. It’s a setup that plays to their strengths, testing their instincts while showcasing their raw, unfiltered energy.
With each new Cardboard Sessions instalment, it becomes even more exciting to imagine who might step up next to play these brilliantly engineered instruments. There’s no shortage of dream performers we’d love to see embrace the challenge, whether it’s the fierce guitar work of Orianthi, the powerhouse presence of Avril Lavigne, or the genre-blending versatility of Keith Urban. It would be iconic to witness Dave Grohl go full throttle on a cardboard kit, or see Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen bring their legendary chemistry to the series.
The possibilities are endless: Carrie Underwood’s vocal strength and country guitar vibes, Lindsey Buckingham’s intricate picking style, the punk energy of Green Day, the timeless talent of Dolly Parton, the classic guitar performance of Sir Paul McCartney, the storytelling magic of Taylor Swift, and the rock ‘n’ roll flair of Steven Tyler. Whether it’s iconic names or rising talents, the magic lies in seeing how each artist connects with the cardboard creations, bringing their own style, sound, and surprise to the series. We’re just excited to see who steps up next.
As always, Cardboard Sessions reminds us that music is about more than polish and perfection—it’s about creativity, courage, and the unpredictable thrill of live performance. And Return to Dust just added another electrifying chapter to the series.
Keep an eye out for “Strangers” on June 17, and don’t miss the already-released “Face Down”, it’s a session you won’t want to miss. Both songs are out right now across streaming platforms as part of the band’s self-titled debut album, via Jim Kaufman Productions.