EP REVIEW: BURR ISLAND “BAKER ST. BLUES”
Photo credit: Eddy Massarella
Baker St. Blues is a collection of four interconnected, magnificent short auditory films. Cinematic and dramatic, Burr Island has a very extroverted presentation in combination with their sensitive, introspective lyricism that forms a fascinating internal hurricane of tension and contrasts. They adhere to the folk spirit that often captures the grim truth of reality with wittiness and seemingly cheerful sonics. Acoustic guitar and a vocal duet with a sprinkle of production are all Burr Island need for its meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.
The album spirals inward with emotions and depth, self-examining as well as contemplating the outside world. “Why Is It?” reflects on the way our lives seem to rely entirely on technology. It stores our activities, memories, and dictates our thoughts and opinions. It’s horrifying in a way and it makes you wonder how far we have gone with “reality.” “All I Am” passes through the surface-level desires/needs to find peace from within. It peels off the glittering mask of the material world and questions our existence. “Courtroom of My Minds” takes on a brand new angle and examines the very process of doubt — the clouded room that is always filled with voices struggling between self-sabotage, social norms, and seeking for truth.
“Baker St. Blues” is the fearless, passionate color in a world of grey. Dream and love work its way into the sonics and remind us there’s always something worth fighting for in seemingly mundane life. It’s about the person you used to be and who you dream to be. Does the dream still exist? The song brings tears to your eyes as you start to remember and realize.
Burr Island is a band you can’t help stamping your feet and humming its mesmerizing melodies along the way. Their music is heartwarming and touching in the sense that it connects us through our very human experiences in its truthful, authentic, spirited storytelling. They give something back with their music and offer a moment of contemplation and pause.
Written by Katrina Yang
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