Expat Eden Burns’ debut LP combines dance and digital rock for an exciting experience

Eden Burns, an expat artist, has recently released his debut album titled And the Make Believers, which offers a unique blend of music that defies traditional genres. Burns, who has been producing music since the age of 12, has come a long way from his early days in New Zealand to establishing himself in Melbourne. He has released music on various labels in the UK and Germany, hosted radio shows for NTS and Beats In Space in NYC, and performed at numerous shows across Asia and Europe.

While Burns has found success in the dance music scene with his series of EPs under Big Beat Manifesto, his latest album ventures into uncharted territory. Describing his new music as “digital rock,” Burns draws inspiration from indie rock and artists like The Cure to create a sound that is both familiar and innovative. The album features a mixture of tracks that range from tech house to more experimental compositions.

Tracks like ‘Vocal Tune’ and ‘Slow Thing’ showcase Burns’s tech house roots with their rhythmic structure and melodic elements. However, songs like ‘The Relaxed Man’ deviate from traditional dance music by omitting the typical kick drum, creating a unique listening experience. Throughout the album, Burns takes risks by incorporating unconventional elements, such as tracks that do not feature drums at all, like ‘Story So Far’ and ‘Bug Song.’

The majority of the album can be categorized as “digital rock music,” characterized by a traditional kick/snare rhythm and sparse instrumentation. While elements of guitar and horns are scattered throughout the tracks, the overall sound is cohesive and distinct. Burns effectively blends sterile timbres with emotive melodies, creating a sound world that is reminiscent of vaporwave and bands like Soulwax and Teddybears.

Tracks like ‘Goodbye Jingle’ exude a cheerful New Order vibe, while ‘Goblin’ and ‘C2P’ lean towards melancholy tones, ultimately striking a balance between different emotions. Despite the lack of vocals, Burns’s songwriting shines through each track, touching emotional nerves and inviting listeners into his unique sonic universe. This new direction for Burns is both refreshing and captivating, showcasing his versatility and creativity as an artist.

In addition to Burns’s album, other notable releases in the music scene include The Bats’ album ‘Corner Coming Up,’ which highlights the band’s comfort and cohesion over the years, and Brandon De La Cruz’s ‘Blue Irises in Hologram,’ which showcases the singer-songwriter’s reflective and poignant storytelling. These albums, along with Burns’s debut, represent a diverse range of music that continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences.