Burning Embers – Burning Embers

(Burning Embers Inc, 2010)

Burning Embers is a rock 5-piece originating from Wainuiomata, Wellington who have just completed a fairly extensive North Island tour. Their eponymous fist release is grunge bordering on alternative rock, and ends up sounding very much like Days of the New.

The Days of the New vibe is struck very early on with the first track, No Fear, borrowing heavily from the acoustic guitar sound of the 90’s rockers. However, some guitar overlays of the more electric variety add a heavier dynamic to the mix. The first four songs on the album (No Fear, I Bleed, Open the Door, and Crystal Ball) all follow this recipe with singer Robert Morgan's forceful vocals telling of troubled past. There’s a sense of calm to his aggressiveness and it’s clear that he has buried his demons and is looking forward from here. Crystal Ball may be the best of these four tracks and sees one of the three lead guitarists show off his chops with an extended solo.

End of the Rainbow sees a change in tempo. The slow burning number seems to be a nod to Led Zeppelin with its progressive rock element making the next track Playing With Fire all the more effective. The combination of deeper, devil-like vocals with traditional metal-like wailing give the song impetus and mark a turn back to their darker side. Wait for a Moment adds a slightly trippy element while Denial’s Easy has an old school punk feel its Jello Biafra type over powering vocals.

The rest of the album is somewhat of a letdown with about three too many angst-ridden grunge ballads. Climb Any Mountain is the best of these with its uplifting theme more fitting with the early part of the album. Get Out of My Way is a good way to close the album and displays their intentions showing that what these guys do best is show their raw emotion with an aggressive attitude.

Although I have not heard these guys live, the heavier, more aggressive tracks would definitely translate well to bars and small clubs and there’s no doubt they’d give a balls to the wall performance each and every time.