Lockjaw Records – 04 September 2020
UK regret punks are back with a new EP … and a tree?
Burnt Tapes, the regret punks from London, UK, are back with a new EP and in an interesting package- instead of a CD, vinyl or even cassette, it comes with a tree! A TREE! A beech tree (to be more specific) that can be planted, in efforts to help the local environment and climate change. I think that is pretty cool (however I would also love a vinyl please, guys).
The emotive heavy-hitters have progressed with every release in my opinion, going back to their 2014 self-released EP Wasted History. I always had a feeling that these guys were something special in the UK DIY scene and they proved me right. Look at my boys all growned-up writing retrospective songs about life, love and often being by the sea. So, is Grower a release that continues that progressive trend?
It is definitely a continuation from the 2019 album Never Better, and I adore that album, so for me it is like comfort food. There are clear indications in the songs that they are relaxed in writing good anthemic songs, and it feels almost effortless to them. I wonder what they could produce if they pushed themselves out of that security?
If you are a fan of Iron Chic, Red City Radio, Pkew Pkew Pkew etc then you will no doubt enjoy what the Tapes have to offer.
Tracks
“Dynasty, Die With Me”
Songs about of disappointment and pain would not always be my first pick as track 1, however it is the Burnt Tapes – so it makes sense. Nice, mid-paced, melodic lil number, harmonies in all the right places, think Weakerthans but sped up and gruff.
“GetitGotitGood”
This is an absolute stomper, an instant crowd favourite when people can go to gigs again. It has a very smart driving riff, that cuts in to separate the pre chorus and the sing a long part. WARNING This will get stuck in your head.
“Greek Wood”
“I Thought I was done with all the sad songs” is the opening line and could not sum up the band any better. Where would Burnt Tapes be without the sad songs? Will we ever get an album based on content and fulfilment – I bloody hope not, yuck. It is a nice, consistent track which fits in their catalogue perfectly. Almost sunny, with some riffs that remind me of Dinosaur Jr’s ‘Feel the Pain’
“Yuzi (Acoustic)”
This is a stripped back version of the lead single from the last album. It shows the song in a new light, without the rougher, shouty chorus. Cool, nice finish to the EP
Summary
Great EP – lovely to hear something new from the guys. If this is an indication of the next album, then we are all in for a treat. I hope this release stands on its own without the physical release, and I hope my tree grows and doesn’t get eaten by birds.
