By Sage Spirk, Contributor

[Born Losers; 2025]

Rating: 8/10

On Sept. 24, rock band L.S. Dunes released their single, “Valley of Debt” on Music for Everyone Vol. 2, a project led by John Nolan of Taking Back Sunday and his record label, Born Losers. Music for Everyone was launched in 2017 and first appeared as an album of songs from several artists, curated by Nolan with songs from a number of artists, in support of the American Civil Liberties Union. Nolan has stated on Bandcamp that ACLU’s mission to fight for equality, such as the protection of reproductive rights, immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, warrants another round of support from this collaborative project intended to unite the masses. While the full album will be released Oct. 24, Sparta, Straylight Run and L.S. Dunes have released their singles – and L.S. Dunes did not disappoint!

“Valley of Debt” is galvanizing. It feels like a call to action, with pounding drums, eruptive guitar riffs and Anthony Green’s distinctive style of screamo vocals. Green sings, “Distressed civilian / (High for the revolution) / (High for the takedown) / Innocent American.” These themes of revolution and takedown resonate with the ACLU’s mission of fighting the government and the violation of human rights. 

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The song continues with this theme of rebellion: “Drug numb civilians / (Diе on the television) / (A lovely frame shot) / Of an innocent American.” This line speaks towards the desensitization America has undergone due to the brutality we encounter everyday as a result of corruption and our current administration. These lines are delivered with so much power and dominance that you can’t help but feel enraged by day-to-day corruption.

The rest of “Valley of Debt” explores the cost of hesitation in dire moments and the feeling of guilt and being ashamed. My favorite aspect of this song is how the second and final pre-chorus juxtapose each other’s lyricism. Greens sings, “You always get what you kill / I know it wasn’t worth it” before continuing with, “You always kill what you give / I hope it wasn’t worth it” later in the song. To me, this juxtaposition evokes a sense of regret for the treatment of others, with the idea of “killing” versus “getting” representing America’s culture of give-and-take; we give with the intention of receiving something in return for our own benefit, and take by hurting each other and denying the humanity of those we perceive as “other.” 

It’s wonderful to see artists create music for a cause, in this instance, supporting the ACLU’s commitment to giving a voice to those often discriminated against. “Valley of Debt” is a great teaser for the Music for Everyone Vol. 2 project, maintaining a fun and electric spirit while also reminding listeners not to forget about the heart of the matter, which is that we must fight against desensitization and foster change through communal action. If L.S. Dunes’ single piqued your interest, be sure to check out the rest of Music for Everyone Vol. 2  when it releases on Oct. 24, featuring a myriad of other talented artists and bands.