As the lead guitarist for the great Chicago garage rock trio Dehd, Jason Balla makes for an electrifying, invigorating live presence. A captivating ball of energy, Balla’s limbs are constantly moving and his beaming smile is ever-present, creating the perfect embodiment of the raucous, party-like atmosphere of the band.
Yet for his first solo album—billed under his Accessory moniker—Balla brings a distinctively different approach—a contemplative, quiet and subdued sound that showcases the breadth and depth of his artistry. Released on April 17, Accessory’s “Dust” might come as a surprise for Dehd fans expecting another reprise of indie rock antics, but Balla said the album is actually a reflection of his most natural writing tendencies.
“This music really reflects my natural state of being—like if I just pick up the guitar and I’m in a room by myself, this is the type of tempo and mood that comes out,” said Balla. “When I’m in the room with Dehd, there is a lot of excitement and energy and the music is a result of that energy. But yeah, if I’m alone, I tend to make music that’s much slower, more like a Velvet Underground thing. I just gravitate towards that feeling—it’s always been my predisposition.”
Easily one of the best albums of 2026, “Dust” is a thorough and thoughtful creation from an artist with a fully formed vision. From the abstract painting that adorns the album cover to the inspired record title to the songs that all fit within a coherent, thematic throughline, “Dust” perfectly captures the ambiguity and complexity of everyday life.
