Search - Burden Brothers :: Mercy

I hate to say that this was a disappointment...

RuFu | Boston, MA | 01/03/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen the 5 star reviews of this CD and decided to pick it up. Now let me say that I bought the Burden Brothers EP's and promos when they first came out and I enjoyed them very much; I never bothered to pick up "Buried in Your Black Heart" because it was a compilation of the songs that originally appeared on the EP's and promos. That being said, I had high hopes for this CD, especially since it had nothing but glowing reviews. Well, I am somewhat disappointed. Vaden's voice is great, and I've always liked Taz's drumming, but this CD just sounds over-produced. It's a basic rock and roll record that has been made accessible to the masses, so I would classify this as pop rock. I was happy to find out they had 3 guitarist in this band (Vaden included), but by listening to the music, you really can't tell. There's just not enough virtuosity, progression, or layered parts to justify the need of three guitarists. I should have known by the back photo on the CD that this wouldn't be to my liking. Trendy haircuts, clothes, and every band member wearing thick eye liner - just screams sell out to me. But I'm not deeming them as such. Maybe they need the $$? Who knows? I loved the Toadies and I really liked a lot of Reverend Horton's Heat music, but in comparison, this CD for the most part, is lacking...ummm...balls. Even compared to the earlier Burden Brother's stuff, this lacks balls. It's a safe record that really doesn't take too many risks. Don't get me wrong; there are some good songs on here, but to my ears, most of it sounds generic or filler. Maybe if the CD was 10 songs instead of 15, it would be a more impressive release. I really wanted to give this 3 stars considering how much I respect and like the music the main musicians in this band have put out over the years, but my conscience is leaning towards a 2. I wish I could give it a 2.5. I needed to be a little harsh in this review for two reasons: 1. The people who reviewed it before me all gave it 5 stars and I don't think this album should be classified as an ALL TIME CLASSIC. 2. Previous efforts dictated that this CD should have rocked hard, and with 3 guitarists, I expected this to be a loud "in your face"record. It's quite the opposite."

Great Sophomore Album

Ekemisvo | Oklahoma | 11/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought "Buried in your Black Heart" was a great album, but "Mercy" is even better. I really enjoy Shine, Still, Everybody is Easy, I am a Cancer, and Daughter of Science. However, every song on this disc is very listenable, and I don't have to skip any songs, whereas I would find myself sometimes skipping tracks on the last album. Great step up for the Burden Brothers. I'll hopefully be seeing them in tulsa this weekend. Should be a blast just like the last time I saw them. They put on a great live show. 5 stars."

Mercy Rocks Hard

Randall Ford | Fort Worth, Texas | 11/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Burden Brothers most recent album 'Mercy' rocks hard. It plays over and over and I never get tired of it. Vaden's voice is still as strong as ever, and much like the Toadies, his voice is the signature of the Burden Brothers. Mercy is barely released and I'm already anticipating their next album, as it's sure to be as great as the first two!"