Customer Reviews

Build & Burn

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I waited a long time for this record and it was worth it. this is one of those records that quenches the thirst of fans of "Keep Your Heart" but will probably round up many many new fans as well. everything you loved about "keep your heart" is still there, the huge choruses, daves voice and lyrics, and chugging power chords, but all of these things are highlighted by the bands new-found restraint. there's an honest-to-god ballad that is a pure delight, as well as forays into old spiritual (Louisiana) and alt-country (3rd shift) territory. this adventurous spirit is further highlighted by appearances from members of The Hold Steady playing everything from guitar and organ to harmonica and saw.

it's nice to finally have a modern punk band that i'll be able to play for my kids the way my older friends played me The Clash, add to that the refreshment of seeing a band who isn't afraid to grow and you've got a pure delight. buy this record - there are songs that will beg to keep your heart.

This is the best record that has ever been put out but Fat wreck cords. REAL TALK, I had to change my pants 4 times.

I bought a used CD and it worked perfectly, nothing wrong with the case or booklet and it arrived very quickly, great service.

The two years since The Loved Ones first full-length, Keep Your Heart, have been somewhat difficult ones, resulting in some lineup changes. Despite this, they've been able to pull together and record an album that is a solid, thoughtful follow-up. On Build & Burn, the band expand a bit, proving that they can cover much more musical territory than they did on the previous album. The band describe this as incorporating country and "Americana rock 'n' roll." Although this might not be the description one would normally look for in a "punk" band, it's merely a rounding out of their sound and including instruments not typically found in the pop-punk world: harmonica, accordion, saw, etc. None of these dominate the songs, though: make no mistake, this is a guitar driven album. Imagine if the guys in H20 and REM collaborated, and you'll be on the right track with what Build & Burn has to offer: sophisticated sing-along pop punk. All in all, I think The Loved Ones have been successful in their deliberate attempt to evade being neatly categorized and tucked into a particular genre. I predict this album will be widely well received and will only encourage the band to explore even newer territory... and that's a good thing.