Grunge enthusiasts Burnt Palms explore lovelorn themes in their latest energetic album.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Release Date: Feb. 5
Songs of fuzz pop or rock usually contain rattling guitar riffs and weary vocals. Together, these components can form a satisfying grungy tone, and Burnt Palms’ latest release, “Back On My Wall,” does just that. Lead singer Christina Riley delivers pining vocals and a carefree attitude through song along with original band members and a new guitarist, as if one didn’t suffice for the resonant sound.
“Back On My Wall” is a concise album, with its longest track lasting just under three minutes. However, that is just enough time for Riley to express her angst from past heartbreak. Raging guitar riffs and weary lyrics such as “I need to forget how things used to be” demonstrate the theme of resistance toward past love, while maintaining that feeling of angst toward it. Recruiting a second guitarist results in an excessive, over-amplified sound with minimal melody, however the occasional vocal change and rest from the fuming guitars give the overall mood a needed balance. Tracks like “Nothing to Me” and “Over” are a couple of the tracks that create stability from the overwhelming loudness; the lyrical rawness creates a grungy exhilaration that wraps the album all together.
Despite the raging instrumentals, Burnt Palms delivers youthful energy through sweet and raw singing. Reminiscent of Best Coast’s older tracks, “Back On My Wall” possesses a fun character perfect for dancing around and forgetting about an ex. Compared to their previous album “The Girl You Knew,” Burnt Palms is musically graduating from instrumental experimentation and integrating a more genuinely expressive theme; the prominent drumming and upbeat tempo by the bassist prove this band is all about their true instrumental and lyrical articulation. Lyrics like “I love you, but I wish I never met you” and “Freedom would be so nice” convey this emotion from Riley and imprint that same urge to scream out the lyrics onto the listener.
Full of raucous energy, a reasonable balance of grunge and empowering lyrics, “Back On My Wall” is egocentrically stimulating and can attract any listener with its catchy beats. Although the instrumentals overpower the message, Riley no doubt engages the listener with her vocals and has fun while doing it.
