It would be a far-from-accurate assessment to say that the neo-romanticism that brought artists like Duran Duran, Ultravox, The Human League and Yaz to great fame in the 1980s. And, to be candid, the neo-romantic card is being played by some mighty interesting acts these days, who are finding inventive ways to blend this with numerous other genres. Take NYC-based outfit Black Rose Burning for instance – they have just released‘The Wheel’ album digitally and on CD, which includes 12 songs, every one of which is worth your attention.
Sometimes leaning more towards Ultravox and Colourbox on the new wave spectrum, they sometimes also produce vibes channelled from Phantasmagoria-era The Damned and Butterfly on a Wheel-era The Mission. Perhaps the closest assessment would be The Veldt (their hit single ‘Soul in a Jar’ comes to mind) and modern day post-punk quartet ACTORS, only with the unique vocal timbre of A.R.Kane’s Alex Ayuli.
This album actually also involves Jason Corbett of ACTORS, who mixed these tracks at his Jacknife Sound Studio in Vancouver. This is the band’s second long-player, following the debut album ‘The Year of the Scorpion’, released in 2020. Running nearly an hour, this album takes the band’s sound to a completely new level in terms of songwriting and composition.
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“This release was a labor of love after the success of my first record. I was working through and adjusting to the post covid landscape and took solace in having the time to make another proper record,” says George Grant.
“Over the past four years or so, quite a few relationships that I valued were destroyed in an instant – over politics or just basic unacceptable differences. Then came Covid and I lost a few more for reasons beyond their control. There was a lot of anger in my first record. This one is more melancholic than angry. I write about outer space a lot. On both records. I find it inspirational. It’s vastness. It’s the place I’d most like to go. Maybe the place I’d most like to escape to might be a better definition.”
Black Rose Burning was formed in 2018 by instrumentalist, producer and engineer George Grant, whose soulful vocal delivery, instantly recognizable voice, unique grooves and solid instrumentation are standout features of this music. Grant has also assembled for live performances, including guitarist Frank Morin (World Inferno Friendship Society) and drummer Luis Infantas (Monster Zero).
Spanning the realms of multiple genres, Grant’s influences are also multi-generational while maintaining an overall succinct flow and feel. Roughly 40 years of songwriting across many styles has helped George embellish on clever hooks, drive and the gothic-pop sensibilities of The Cult’s early years.
‘The Wheel’ was recorded in George’s own studio, PV Recording Company, which has over the years hosted such artists as Emelio Zeff China (Peter Murphy), Knox Chandler (Siouxsie And The Banshees), Chibi (The Birthday Party Massacre), Nellie McKay, Julia Marcel, Paul Bakija (Reagan Youth), Ego Likeness and Voltaire (with whom Grant also played bass for 10 years).
Available on CD and digitally across the internet, including Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be ordered directly from the band via Bandcamp.
CREDITS
Recorded and Mixed by George Grant at PVRCo in Putnam Valley, NY and The Wolf’s Den Manhattan
Mastered By Jason Corbett (ACTORS) at Jacknife Sound Vancouver
Cover Art by Eshmoon DM Design
Live photography by Robert Braunfeld
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