E.P. Review: Burial Waves - Holy Ground
Reviewed by Robbie Maguire
Crushing chords rain down over shimmery guitars as Kyle Durley’s harsh yet soulful voice ensures full attention is fixed as the writhing, beating hypnotic opener ‘Light Heads’ begins the special journey that is unfolding on ‘Holy Ground’ the debut E.P. from Baltimore / Maryland quintet Burial Waves. With a buzzing energy the song pulsates and starts hitting the emotional parts of your brain in a way that soaring and moving post hardcore can do so well. Burial waves adeptly mix the crushing and anthemic whilst delivering a steady stream of emotive feelings. ‘The Romantic’ has a calming sense of warmth at its core yet the jarring muscular parts maintain the heavy, driving feel without the two opposites ever clashing. An 80s feel and alt rock allure grace the song with its ability to take the heavy crunch of the music and mix with a glistening glow almost gaze esque. Both these elements work so effectively together. Depth is created and a vibrancy colours the enchanting rhythms.
A clear beauty and brightness radiates through the throbbing and pulsing rhythms on ‘Cinema Shame’ which invokes a mix of post rock and hardcore with its swirling and uplifting soundscape playing behind a driving guitar. Dripping in character and with the ability to be gritty whilst affective and beautiful is no accident. This is cleverly crafted and immersive music. Subdued moments and softer melodic textures play out as vitally as the vibrant and jarring riffs which all combine to produce a mesmeric rhythmic swagger. The low end rumbling bass of Kevin Hilliard is understated and yields such character and as for his time keeping partner Jimmy Rhodes on Drums, who captures a real live feel, the delivery is far from mere bluster and power but one where those drums carry equal feeling which illuminates throughout.
The post hardcore heartbeat of Burial waves which has shined through ‘Holy Ground’ bursts to the fore in the mini epic closer ‘The Guest’. It's a joyous dynamic beast with melodies that will earworm their way into your very being. Slowly and subtly building layers whilst delivering instant blows of punchy post hardcore that satisfies the desire for heavy and throbbing blasts whilst the need for emotional appetite is fulfilled.
Despite this emotional heft which Holy Ground possesses you still clearly hear the influence of the DC hardcore pioneers that is a key part of the Burial Waves sound throughout. Sometimes it's in swathes, other times more subtle touches flourish the songs. Always respectful and never cliched, the ability to draw on the influences that make this band what it is whilst having their very clear individuality adds a real sense of maturity, compassion and character to this remarkably captivating E.P.
