Album review: Burntmill Ghosts – “Old Records”

SBÄM Records, Double Helix Records – 03 May 2024

Old guys in a new band hit their mark on their debut full length.

New Jersey might be the punchline of a million bad jokes, but the Garden State continues to produce some great punk bands. Add Burntmill Ghosts to that already extensive list. This trio of older dudes has delivered a very Jersey album. It was produced by Bouncing Souls guitarist Pete Steinkopf in Asbury Park, and recorded over the course of three years. AJ Martinez from fellow NJ punks Doc Rotten even played drums on three songs. (Doc Rotten dropped their excellent 3rd LP early this year.) 

The music on Old Records is heavily informed by the Epitaph and Fat Wreck Chords bands from the ‘90s, without coming across as mimicry. Singer, guitarist and songwriter Pete Vincelli is clearly a history buff. Many of the songs are based on real life events. It gives most of them a more original twist, even if it leads to the occasional “What the hell is he talking about?” moment. Call it lyrically elevated three chord punk.

Opener “Another Round” might be the lowbrow track on the album. (Unless it’s based on some Ernest Hemmingway story I haven’t read.) The Stand By Me inspired “The Body” might be the strongest track on the album. It’s simple, catchy and melodic. Based on his love of the Ramones, I suspect Stephen King would approve. “Paradise” has ska/reggae style verses, but makes up for it with a catchy chorus and burst of speed toward the end. Side A closer busts out the acoustic guitars and gets a little nostalgic. It’s an undeniable earworm.

Side B also starts off strong with “Tulsa Heat”. “Annabel Lee” gives off a bit of a Dropkick Murphys vibe. (In a good way.) “Broken Promises”, “Fox Lake” and closer “Maple Place” are all great, driving punk songs. If there is a complaint to be had, it’s that the catchy as hell choruses rarely contain the name of the songs. Twenty years from now if someone were to glance at the back of the record, they might not recognize any of the song titles!

Minor grievances aside, Burntmill Ghosts have delivered an excellent debut in Old Records. It’s the kind of thing that people will enjoy when it actually is an old record. 

For vinyl fiends: SBÄM Records in Europe and Double Helix Records in the USA collaborated on this thing. The cover art is a bit reminiscent of NOFX’s recent Single/Double/Half Album motif. It’s a very limited pressing of 150 on gold and 150 silver, so if you want a copy on wax, and you should, don’t sleep on it.