lefty burns - lefty burns

Lefty Burns

Lefty Burns
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Lefty Burns started playing in rock bands when he was the tender age of 14. As his musical journey progressed he played in a number of different bands and preferred singing about whiskey and chasing girls. Like anyone else he got older, matured and settled down by finding a girl and a job. These life changes also inspired some of his most reflective music that he delivered with heartfelt honesty on his self-titled album Lefty Burns. The songs are rooted in Americana good times and usually lie somewhere between Jimmy Buffett and a folk song. They are the kind of songs you can enjoy with a drink in your hand and find yourself singing along to in no time.

The album starts off with “Hold On Tight,” which on the verse sounds like a party. It has an anthemic vibe but what I enjoyed most about the song was that he didn't overdo it. Within the first two minutes he breaks down the drums, bass and distorted guitars to just him and an acoustic guitar and the sounds of seashells and waves. The song is a good opener. His vocals sound clear in the mix on “When I Get Home,” which is a catchy song that flirts with an island-like vibe. The sounds of waves reinforce the idea of being by a beach. 

“Changing Colors” has some of the best string work on the album while “Arthur Lee” contains a tinge of melancholy while utilizing up front and center electronic drums. “Diamond Ring” was the highlight of the album for me. I enjoyed the sparse parts where it was just Burns’ vocals and strings that were covered in a little too much reverb. He implements low-hanging distorted guitars, which adds just enough energy and doesn't take away from one of his best vocal performances. I also thoroughly enjoyed the old-time traditional roots he busts out on “I’m Gonna Be Ready.” He ends with an upbeat percussively heavy song called “Boiling Water.”

Overall, the album could have been a bit more cohesive and a better mix would have helped some of the songs but these minor issues don't take away much from the album. There are some enjoyable songs here and it’s obvious Burns has a passion for the things he is singing about.