A result of a Scottish Arts Council project, The Burns Unit are a unique mixture of Scottish and Canadian musicians who come from a variety of backgrounds to create a distinct but utterly cohesive band that present some fantastic songs with real élan.
Having such a diverse range of artist as Karine Polwart, Emma Pollock, Kim Edgar, King Creosote and Mattie Foulds amongst the 8 piece band was always going to be stylistically interesting, but the results are genuinely impressive. The ten songs on the disc featuring every single artist in lead and supporting roles, the results could have been a little disjointed; but it’s to their credit that it feels like a proper, fully-fledged and together group who love playing together. All 8 artists have stepped out from their more familiar ground as solo artists, and to produce an album that is much more than the sum of its parts.
Karine and Emma are the most prominent voices on the album and between them are featured on most songs, but every artist is there an accounted for and between themselves they create something unique. Instrumentally the album really shows the wide spectrum of influences as it moves from acoustic sounds to full on rock – it’s amazing that it all hangs together so well, but it does, and it makes the album a real rollercoaster ride to listen through. There’s a real element of theatre in the musical presentation that is carried over into the packaging and booklet; and that, with the uniqueness of the concept and execution make this a real one off. A fantastic album.
Track listing
1 Since We've Fallen Out
2 Trouble
3 Send Them Kids To War
4 Future Pilot A.K.C.
5 Blood, Ice And Ashes
6 Sorrys
7 You Need Me To Need This
8 Majesty Of Decay
9 What Is Life?
10 Helpless To Turn
