Colin Burke - you're still my every breath

Colin Burke

You're Still My Every Breath
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Colin Burke is off to a good start. He is a singer/songwriter who has been a musician most of his life but for about five years has been exclusively writing, recording, and producing all of his own records. His recent album called You're Still My Every Breath is a well-produced accomplishment that touts seven well-crafted songs that dabble in rock and pop. The songs on this album sound as if Burke had a fun time while making them and it comes across in the hooks, the energy as well as the production of the album. More often than not the songs feel carefree and instill a sense of optimism as you are listening to them.

The album begins with the exuberant “More Than A Friend” which bursts on the scene with an excellent mix of acoustic guitars, bells, bass and percussion. It won't take long before the song gets stuck in your head. The second song “Resistance” is just as strong as the first song.  It doesn't waste any time as it starts with crashing drums and treated vocals harmonies that repeat an infectious melody. Even though this song wasn’t the strongest on the album I could see it being the most popular as it has a ubiquitous structure that will immediately grab people’s attention.

“Zombieland” is initially more subdued as it revolves around a prominent acoustic guitar that is backed by synthetic strings.  The highlight of the album was his exploration into electronic pop with “Tennis Shoes.”  Burke utilizes incredibly warm synths and textures to create a warm cocoon of sound for him to sing over. The music is excellent but his vocal work is some of the best on the album here (reminded me of the Postal Service at point).

“After all of this” is the most emotionally fueled song that resonates with melancholy and nostalgia unlike any other song on the album.  It is a solid performance that puts Burke’s vocals front and center. He closes with an electronic number that feels like a summer breeze (quite a departure from “After all of this”), which is appropriately called “Summer’s End Groove.”

You're Still My Every Breath is a nice batch of songs. No complaints so go check it out.

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