Album Review: The Burma, Crazy Dreams & Cruel Realities

Munster trio The Burma deliver an immersive indie experience with their sophomore offering Crazy Dreams & Cruel Realities. The album brims with catchy hooks, made immediately apparent with the opener ‘23’- where the laid-back feel and trippy guitar lines echo Aussie-rock outfits like Pond and Tame Impala.

The album’s standout track ‘At Your Door’, is a snappy and upbeat number, with an earworm bassline that lays down a solid groove nestled beneath dreamy, washed-out guitars.

Lyrically, the album discusses themes such as love and growth, in a manner that, while certainly not overly convoluted, remains enigmatic enough to stimulate the listener’s imagination.

One striking aspect is the variety of songs. Each track offers something different- whether it be the poetic lyricism on ‘Sarah’, the rolling drums on ‘Memories in the Mirror’, or the poignant ballroom swing on ‘The Cruel Reality’.

While the diversity helps to keep things fresh, it also retracts from the album’s cohesion. The Burma can certainly blend genres, but it does seem as if the trio are still on the search for their own distinct sound on which they can focus and let their talents flourish.

The contrary to this is that the album has something to suit a range of tastes. It’s a very well-produced project- the closer ‘A Ring From Yannis’- is point and case in this regard, with Tony O’Donovan’s muffled Strokes-esque vocals and dazzling synths providing a suitable punctuation mark to an enjoyable indie rock outing.

7/10