May 15th, 2009 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Burden of a Day
Album: One, One Thousand
Genre: Hardcore/Scenecore
Label: Rise
There’s been a flood of these “scenecore” acts in the past year and it seems Rise Records is the depot of a lot of it. Each band on the label, with the exception of one or two, sounds nearly the same = breakdowns, some synth/piano, and a mixture screaming and singing. I’m not saying this is bad because if you have an ear for it, sign it, but still, it’s gotten a bit ridiculous. One band hoping to break away from this image is Burden of a Day, whose new album, One, One Thousand,” is just hitting stores this week and let me tell you, it packs a punch.
Starting heavily with punk like chords and sing/scream vocals, “Remember,” quickly displays the technical abilities of the group. It’s not the most approachable opener, but it’s surely one to grab your attention. However, the catchy riffs of, “Fool Me Once,” will likely pull more people into the record. I would like to note, the electronics are much more absent on this than most Rise Releases and it’s all for the better as BoaD’s punk like metal helps draw attention like synthesizers only wish they could. A solid example can be found on the epically brutal, “The Mason,” which is an easy standout for best track on the record.
A problem with albums of this genre is not siply lasting power on repeat plays, but keeping things interesting even the first time through. I mean breakdowns can only get you so far before you have to find a new game. For Burden of A Day, the ability to keep us listening is something that seems to come easily for awhile. Tracks like, “Sly Fox,” and “OneOneThousand,” have great structure and instrumentation that give way to hooks that just latch onto your subconscious and remain there for days. However, that’s only two of the back 5 tracks and let me say, the other three feel a bit dull. I mean, not only does this band play the same sounding song over and over, but so does about 45 other full time touring acts right now that are on the same exact shelves. I will note that the closer, “My Forfeit,” has a beautiful message and true display of the band’s faith, but it still feels like something I’ve heard twelve other times this year.
In the end, I’m split on my thoughts for One One Thousand. I mean, they play breakdowns and meld sing/scream vocals quite well, but so does I See Stars, A Day To Remember, In Fear and Faith, and a few other acts who’ve had album out thus far this year. However, the lyrical content hear is quite strong and I wish there was a better platform to get their message of faith across than metalcore, but it’s what they’ve chosen to do. So, as I walk away from about the tenth play of the album, I’m still at a crossroads. There’s something to be said for doing what everyone else does well, but it’s still what everyone else does. I guess it’s a genre of pick and choose acts and to me, Burden of A Day just doesn’t make the cut.
Score: 5/10
- 2015’s Most Underrated Films - December 29, 2015
- Passing The Torch: The End Of An Era For UTG - December 1, 2015
- UTG PREMIERE: Before The Streetlights – “Private Browser” - November 26, 2015
Posted in 
Tags: 