Single Review: The Burnt Tapes – Alterations EP

The Burnt Tapes are a London based quartet who originated in the sunnier climes of Athens in 2013, they moved to damper environment of the UK back in 2013 to continue their studies, and to avoid military conscription, and they now appear to have settled in the UK’s capital city. The Burnt Tapes have now released their five track Alterations EP via Lockjaw Records, Umlaut Records for the vinyl release, and Cannonball Records. The Alterations EP follows on from their 2016 releases, the Besides EP and a split single with Sketchy, and it can only cement their place in the UK punk scene, as for me this is their finest release to date.

The EP kicks off with the gruff punk charms of the title track and it sets a ridiculously high standard with it’s raw intensity, the lead single from the Alterations EP, Oh Marie, follows in it’s wake and brings things down a notch whilst maintaining the standards set by the title track. The wonderfully titled Wayne Regretzky carries on in the raw yet melodic footsteps of the preceding tracks whilst Ghosts brings the most manic moment on the EP, but the best is saved is saved for last. Things Get Weird closes the Alterations EP with a anthemic and deeply personal howl that’s accompanied by a dark and infectious riff that recalls the Alkaline Trio in their heyday, and it marks the perfect ending to an impressive and all too short EP by The Burnt Tapes.

The Burnt Tapes have delivered an almost flawless five track EP of muscular gruff punk that will appeal to fans of Nothington, Hot Water Music and Off With Their Heads, and it’s a release that, if there’s any justice, should see their already dedicated fanbase growing. Alterations blends punk rock and post hardcore with their own raw style and the result is an impressive EP that will be amongst the highlights of 2017 come the end of the year. If you’re unfamiliar with The Burnt Tapes then the release of Alterations EP marks the perfect moment to introduce yourself to their raw melodic punk rock charms, you can thank me later.

The Alterations EP can be ordered and streamed via Bandcamp here