Local Review: Burn Atlas – Electric Sugar Bombs

Burn Atlas
Electric Sugar Bombs

Self-Released
Street: 10.24.16
Burn Atlas = From Aphony + The Offspring

Burn Atlas possess a talent for songwriting. The EP’s main theme seems to be—at least in two out of the three songs—a post-apocalyptic world that has reached its poor state through capital greed, negligence of the environment and ruthless killings of other human beings. The second track, “California Smoke,” does a good job of encompassing the perils of corporate greed and the effects it can and has had on the environment. While the song describes California, it is very applicable to Salt Lake City during the winter.

Burn Atlas throw together some lyrical content that clearly has a central theme well, and they also do a great job of composing music around it. The first song, “Desert Skies,” has a bridge that can only be developed by a band that has chemistry and a bond that supersedes anything they do as musicians.

The last song on the EP, “Fruit Smoothie (320),” seems to be an ode to the ’80s glam band Warrant, specifically their song “Cherry Pie.” The song centers on an objection of the singer’s obsession. Certain lyrics, like “You’re the sweetest girl in my candy world / so why don’t you say we give it a swirl,” remind a bit of why some might be glad that the ’80s are over.

Despite some strengths, the EP tends to come off as chauvinistic and even a little predictable. While Burn Atlas are a talented band, they did not appeal to me. However, that is not to say it is bad. It can easily be a good musical experience for anyone who has a love for early rock mixed with a little bit of blues. The themes that are prevalent here are themes that have always been used and have always had success. Overall, the EP could be great, though for a specific type of listener. –Aaron Jones