UK born but US based singer/songwriter, DL Burdon (or Davey to his mates), is a veteran of the punk and indie scene of his native land and a well-seasoned travelling and studio musician. Having spent time occupying various roles in such outfits as Leatherface, Former Cell Mates, Anchor Bends and Hyde & Beast, 2019 sees Burdon release his second full length effort as a solo artist. ‘The Wind and the Runaway’ was recorded in various studios around North East England and features performances from some of the most renowned musicians from the North East of England including members of The Futureheads and The Golden Virgins. The record follows on from his 2017 debut solo LP, Accidental Aesop and a follow-up 7in released at the end of the same year, The Light Sleeper.
Little Rocket Records’ Graeme Philliskirk adds “This new album sees Davey’s song writing mature into a more classic, timeless direction… It’s a more down beat, low key and somewhat more restrained vibe than his previous efforts, recalling slow core bands such as American Music Club and Magnolia Electric Co. It’s worth noting that his live shows still retain the spontaneity and excitement of his storied punk rock background”.
I (Tony of Nurgle) have been lucky enough to get an advance listen or three in of the full record. Whilst not being an aficionado of the aforementioned ‘slow core’ genre, I can give you an overview of what I thought as a first impression. Kind of like Canadian singer/songwriter Jim Bryson (who did a collaborative LP with the Weakerthans some time back) meets Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music. I was also left with an impression of the rough acoustica produced by the old Hot Water Music side project, Rumbleseat (whose discography you ought to seek out if you haven’t already) and the solo material of Ben Nichols of Lucero.
The video for ‘Atlanta Might Be the Death of Me‘ is being released as he is returning to his native home town, Sunderland to play. The track is lifted from his new solo album, The Wind & The Runaway. The vinyl album is pressed on 180 gram, heavy weight, in black and dark crimson, which is available from the Little Rocket Records bandcamp page
Davey recalls, “”Atlanta might be the death of me”, was written after a long Summer night in East Atlanta Village. Playing Music, drinking cheap beer, sharpie knuckle tattoos and sawing the arms from a monkey onesie. We slept late the next day.””
So sit back, and relax, and digest the video below, which is, I find, best consumed alongside a dram of your favourite single malt.
Davey returns home to the Ship Isis, to play at the Vaux Room, on Sunday, 22 December 2019 from 19:00-22:30, The full show details can be found on this Facebook event. Fact fans may wish to note that the Vaux Room is named after the reference to Vaux’s beer that was mentioned in the Leatherface song, Dead Industrial Atmosphere. Vaux was Sunderland’s long time brewery;. right opposite the Ship Isis is where the Brewery once stood.
