Blue Merle - Burning In The Sun
By: Patrick Vu | Category: Album Archive | 03/18/05 | 12:47 AM
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Grade: B+ | Genre:
Rock
Summary: "Burning in the Sun" won't rock your world, but it will help you find your solitude to deal with the ups and downs of relationships. It's that CD you play over and over again to help you get through the rough times. |
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 It's inevitable for a new artist to have their sound compared to similar artists who have already made their mark on the music industry. It helps to know what we can expect from an album and to build our conclusions from there. So what happens when a band, instead of being compared, is actually mistaken for another? Admit it, we did it when we thought Stone Temple Pilot's "Plush" was Pearl Jam's newest hit single, or when we thought John Mayer was a mild version of Dave Matthews. These bands not only have to deal with breaking through towards recognition, but they also have to deal with coming out from under someone else's shadow.
Blue Merle's "Burning in the Sun" is a solid debut which sounds like Chris Martin's side band who built their sound around Coldplay's "Green Eyes" (from the album "A Rush of Blood to the head"). There, I said it! However, like STP and John Mayer, Blue Merle manages to stand apart and is able to be a band doing their own thing. Forget the comparisons, "Burning in the Sun" has depth and strong writing that is worthy of adding to your music collection.
The album's title track eases us into Blue's moody compositions of love had and love lost. You know exactly what lead singer Luke Reynolds is saying as he sings, "It wasn't part of the plan, what was I suppose to do?" It sums up our frustrations as we throw our hands in the air and call it a day.
"Lucky to know you" and "Stay" continue that sentiment and are the love letters you were never able to write. They say everything you wish you could and are sure to win over the one you won't let get away.
Blue's lyrical talents are far more than just words in a song. They take their writing seriously and craft verses that transcend their music. "Have you ever heard the sounds in the shadows of a song? Have you ever felt the words blow right through from beyond?" are strong lines of pure poetry that begin "Every Ship Must Sail Away." An expression like, "sounds in the shadows of a song," is not only heard but felt. You're reminded of how music leaves an impression on you and all the emotions they are able to uncover. It gives a whole new meaning to the music you've ever collected.
The last track, "Bittersweet Memory," is a strong composition that doesn't need the strong production. It's a purposely simplistic conclusion that rounds out the whole album and is a nice way of saying goodbye...for now.
"Burning in the Sun" won't rock your world, but it will help you find your solitude to deal with the ups and downs of relationships. It's that CD you play over and over again to help you get through the rough times. The comparisons to Coldplay are there, but these comparisons fade fast, and you're left with an emotional collection of work from an up and coming band. Definitely give it a shot.
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