Burnt Tapes – Grower

Burnt Tapes unveiled their latest EP ‘Grower‘ last week via Lockjaw Records, instead of releasing the EP on the traditional CD or vinyl formats the band took a new approach, whilst you still get four new tracks they are available alongside a Beech tree that can be planted. The initiative is primarily to help the local environment, but it is also something that could help combat climate change and improve mental health, guitarist Phil explains “We wanted to do something a little different, more sustainable and planet-friendly. Something you can plant and nurture, and watch grow. Don’t get me wrong, we love a good band t-shirt! But we need more green spaces in order to tackle the climate emergency, and hopefully, we can raise more awareness about this through this initiative. And most of all provide you with some wholesome family fun”.

What you get on ‘Grower‘, apart from a Beech tree and the opportunity to do something positive, is four tracks that each reflect a different aspect of Burnt Tapes. ‘Dynasty, Die With Me‘ is the perfect opener, heartfelt driven raw punk rock that pulls you into the EP, ‘Getitgotitgood‘ follows perfectly in the wake of the first cut, but rather than being more of the same this has an anthemic hook and a darker, more intense feel. The twisting complex ‘Greek Wood” takes things into different territory, math rock riffs collide with an intense indie punk feel, but without sacrificing the raw feel of Burnt Tapes best material. The acoustic version of ‘Yuzi‘, that originally appeared on their 2019 full length “Never Better“, makes perfect sense to close an EP that has steadily mellowed with each track.

Like pretty much every band on the planet the ongoing pandemic has put the brakes on Burnt Tapes planned festival appearances and tours, but this hasn’t stopped them putting out new music and keeping their focus on social activism, not only with the environmental initiative of the “Grower” EP but also with the recent release of the acoustic “Black Minds Matter Benefit” EP. I can’t think of a single reason why you shouldn’t buy the “Grower” EP, whilst each track has brought something different, each one is also unmistakably Burnt Tapes, the “Grower” EP is a perfect introduction to Burnt Tapes for the uninitiated, there is new and reworked material to satisfy the established fan and there’s the chance to make a small positive change to the world.

You can purchase “Grower” and the Beech tree package here