Customer Reviews

Buried in Your Black Heart

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Great record. No way to classify it, and no need to classify it. Todd Lewis is my main attraction for this new group, I absolutely love his singing style. So, of course, it has to be said, I loved the Toadies as well. Because of Lewis's voice, which is very distinct, there are definitly similarities between the two bands (Toadies and B.Bros.).

But the Burden Brothers are a band for a more mature audience who is ready for the subtilties of a great rock band that does not go over the top. The Burden Bros know when they have got your attention and they let you comfortably follow them along instead of trying to force their message into your head with an over-the-top rock song.

dont get me wrong, i love metal and hard rock, but the Burden Bros achieve the same levels of intensity, but in a way that can be more appreciated in a realistic manner. OK, thats confusing, how about this.. the B.Bros are about more realistic issues than a lot of bands. the problems they address are of a very real nature... ok, that doesnt really say it all, but the answer is somewhere in the middle of those two statements.

anyway, this is definitly a super group. one former member of the toadies, one former member of reverand horton heat, and two former GWAR goons. you might think a line up like that would be uh... somewhat.. odd? but believe me, these unique elements add up to on hell of a good rock band!

Hey, I understand if the music is not for you -- but you're missing the point. The lyrics of "Come On Down" are supposed to be simple and direct... combined with the forceful delivery, and the guitar and drums, the lyrics are like a punch in the face -- a poetic expression of forceful emotion. this isn't shoegazing twee or disdainful post-punk. this album is knowingly simple and direct, with unashamed references to southern rock and G'nR. but even in the super cheesy, If You're Going To Heaven, Lewis delivers some sublime moments. i miss the Toadies' darkness and Pixies-punk influences... but this is a great rock record -- a cross between the Toadies and G'nR.

Those of you who like to get away from the stress and strain of everyday life by listening to music take notice - The Burden Brothers are here for you. Whether it's pedal to the metal rock or veg with the headphones on the sofa, they've got your escape. The title track to Buried in Your Black Heart is a fast paced romp that's not for the weak at heart. Those of you who like to vent their anger in a mosh pit - this one's for you. "Beautiful Night" is clearly a hit - it has already received some airplay and should be on video screens soon. "If You're Going to Heaven" and "Conditional" reflect the maturity of Vaden Lewis (aka Todd Lewis - Toadies) as a songwriter. Put on those headphones and listen carefully, you can't help but notice a strong Lennon/McCartney influence (circa the White Album) on those songs. Taz Bentley (Reverend Horton Heat) must have been heavily burdened when he laid down the drum track for "Do for Me" because he just absolutely lets loose! Taz also contributes "Walk Away". After a Smashing Pumpkins like intro, this song takes off and doesn't stop. Walk away? Hardly. This song will make your foot go right to the floorboard. The deep rumble of The Burden Brothers comes courtesy of Casey Orr (Gwar). He's a veteran heavy metal bass player - any questions? Corey Rozzoni (Happiness Factor) provides competent guitar playing and handles both the clean and dirty work equally well. The Burden Brothers let it rip on perhaps the most infectious track "You're so God Damn Beautiful". The opening riff will make you grab your six-string - real or imaginary - and fire away. Unofficially, the lyrics start with "Whew, Uh." By the time you get to the chorus, you'll have this song cranked to the highest level possible and be singing along - YOU'RE SO GOD-DAMN BEAU-TIFUL YOU'RE SO GOD-DAMN BEAUTIFUL. Whew, Uh indeed. If you don't feel the need to play this track over and over again, have your heart and your soul checked - please.
UPDATE - I should mention a fifth member, Casey Hess (Doosu), joined the band after the recording sessions (only the other four are listed in the credits on the CD) but was obviously on board for the photo shoot (far left). Having seen them live recently, you'd think Hess had been there since day one.

This is a great album, but the version of Beautiful Night found on their EP is a lot better. Todd over-emotes like Celine Dion on this version. All the other songs are real good and have excellent production values. Why they had to over-produce what was already a perfect song is beyond me...

Ok, I've always loved The Toadies, and I followed them forever, esp. since im from Fort Worth/Dallas, TX, and they've always rocked my pants off. When The Toadies broke up, i couldnt help but cry since they were one of my favorite bands ever. Thats why when i heard about the burden brothers i jumped at the oppertunity to see them and later to buy this cd. its TOTALLY BITCHIN, although a bit on the lighter side. The Toadies have always been a bit dark and heavy, so its kind of refreshing to hear the Burden Brothers. Buried In Your Black Heart is loaded with plenty of great melodies and rockin vocals. Just as Hell Below/Stars Above was a step above Rubberneck in the upbeat style of writing, Buried In Your Black Heart is a step above Hell Below. Any fan of The Toadies will love this cd, and I suggest you go out and purchace it as soon as humanly possible. Although the Toadies "Rubberneck" album will always be my favorite, Buried In Your Black Heart is awsome, and a must have for any Rock lover.

I absolutely love this album, and this band. They are the best live act I've ever physically witnessed, and many others would agree. They are quite possibly the best example of what "Texas Rock" should sound like. With angelic vocals, Vaden Todd Lewis rocks the mic, and never lets you down. Every show is worth the time and money, and a few loyals actually travel great lengths to catch as many shows as possible, me being one of them. BUY THIS ALBUM! SEE A SHOW! Until you do, all this talking of mine will make absolutely no sense.

From the ashes of Toadies rises Mr. Lewis - now going by "Vaden" but still very much the same songwriter we know and love from his former band. Taz from Horton Heat is on drums, and apparently the other two are from GWAR. But this album is not that different from the Toadies stuff - maybe a little bit more grungy. Intriguingly, Taz the drummer has co-writing credits on more than half the songs, and one all to himself - who would think it? His songwriting sensibility is clearly similiar to Vaden's.

For the price, you can't beat this - it would be worth buying for 14.99 but instead you can get it for 9.98?!?!? Woo hoo!

just a satisfying slab of rock that sounds better the louder you play it :)

This is a quick review.....If you like the Toadies, then you'll love this band. They have an "in your face" edge to them but still show a softer side as well. They show that they have a great style of music and a depth in their lyrics. Very nice band to become acquainted with on a regular basis.

This CD is really worth whatever it costs. I just wish the band would come out with more new music. Also, if you ever get to see them live, it is quite a show.

Awesome album to say the least. Todd is the best singer in Rock & Roll today. He's right up there with Layne Staley as far as my favorites of all time. I went to see the Burden Brothers two nights ago, and they were great on stage. They started the show off with a punch in the nose and never let up through the end of the set. Luckily, only a few idiots insisted on yelling for Toadies tunes. I love the Toadies too, but the music of the BBs is just as exciting as the Toadies if not more so. Get this album now. You won't be disappointed.