Album Review: THE BURNING OF ROME – With Us

Surfdog Records (Release date – out now)

Every now and again when rock and metal all gets a bit much for a busy reviewer it’s nice to find something a bit more laid back and poppy to lighten the mood. This however comes with the proviso that said poppy album has to be a bit leftfield and quirky, we don’t do ordinary pop (unless of course you count ABBA, but that is acceptable, in my book anyway! ).

L.A based The Burning Of Rome fit the remit well, from the opening tubular bellfest that is ‘Ballad Of An Onion Sprout’ you know you are in for an interesting ride. The band describe themselves as Death Pop which is a fair description, this is music you can dance to but you can also immerse yourself in each track as all have lots to offer. ‘Cowboys and Cut Cigars’ has a rockier edge whilst lead track ‘Norman Bates’ has a glorious, uplifting chorus which is strange as it is about a psycho killer.

Most tracks though have a dark side to their lyrics and a twisted outlook on life as ably demonstrated on ‘Why Can’t I Stop Killing My Friends’ and ‘Audrey II’ based on the Little Shop Of Horrors and featuring a bit of the film soundtrack.

This album won’t be to all tastes and it needs to be approached with an open mind, especially the 16 minute untitled track which is ambient electronic noise and not much else, but there are some excellent quirky pop nuggets here which will put a smile on your face.

***1/2

David Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)