Just when you thought Walnut Tree Records was your new favourite pop-punk label, they throw two curveballs by releasing EPs by Viva Sleep and Burn The Fleet. The latter’s new record is the latest and, in my opinion, one of the best releases the label has put out. Unsurprisingly there’s a Thrice vibe to BTF’s sound, especially in the guitars and the way they build and build throughout the songs. It’s a darker’ Artist In The Ambulance’ vibe, although perhaps not quite as technical. Bloody good though.
What I like about this EP is that it flows almost seamlessly from one track straight into the next. It’s roughly 21-minutes of riffs and pummeling percussion, interspersed with a few quieter, more considered moments. ‘Nautilus’, for instance, builds and builds and builds for about three minutes before going quieter, only to explode again at the end. It’s a really, really good song and leads straight into the excellent ‘Fictional Children’ which is one of my favourite tracks on the record.
You could argue that Burn The Fleet aren’t exactly doing anything original, and you’d perhaps be right. But they manage to marry all of their elements perfectly. There’s aggression and energy (you could never try convince me these guys don’t mean what they’re doing) in abundance and despite all the angst there are plenty of melodies and choruses to keep the poppier kids happy. Another solid release and another promising UK band. Happy days.