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ONE WAY Recommends [Issue
#14]
Blue Merle By
Mandana Beigi
Burning In The Sun
(CD
Island Def Jam (2005))
Borrowing
a line from Led Zeppelin’s “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp”, this
Nashville quartet chose the name Blue Merle. Burning in the Sun
is their debut release with 12 wistful, poignant tracks. Much has
been made of their resemblance to Coldplay and the Dave Matthews
band. Well . . . yes, Luke Reynolds’ voice is eerily similar
to Chris Martin’s and the overall sound will definitely remind
you of the Dave Matthews band, but so what? None of that lessens
the artistic quality and the musicianship of both the band and the
album. Burning In The Sun brings out a softer and a more unconventional
side of rock by fusing together the acoustic guitar, the mandolin,
the fiddle, the upright bass, and Luke’s beautiful emotion-filled
vocals this uniquely moody rustic style. “Places,” “Every
Ship Must Sail Away,” and “Seeing Through You” are
among the highlights of the album. Burning In The Sun is
certainly not a ground-breaking revolutionary piece of music; it’s
simple pop/rock with rich lyrics and a touch of untraditional instruments,
but it’s warm, comforting, and heartfelt. Despite numerous
harsh reviews from the mainstream publications, Blue Merle deserves
the chance to be heard and appreciated.
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