Burning Down The House
‘The Expanding Universe’ is only the second album from the feisty foursome that make up Let It Burn. However, they still display an un-teachable quality, one that allows each and every song to be a prism of sound, talent and passion.
Title track ‘Expanding Universe’ opens the album in a hail of repetitive reverberations and noises which then cuts into the songs clean cut opening riffs. Immediately apparent is the blend of different influences in the band’s music. This track has influences of early right through to modern day pop and punk. The sound is youthful and exuberant and a very promising opening. ‘Eleven’ starts with a pulsating bass line and wailing guitars. The song is full of vigour and promise, though slightly less exciting and individual than the last, yet as the lyrics sing out “We’re gonna take control” and the music trails out, you cannot say that it was not a success of a song.
Starting out softer and more mellow, ‘Kaleidoscopes’ builds gradually until the chorus is a glorious punk extravaganza with uncompromised vocals the elude enthusiasm and effortlessly scream out every word as clear as crystal. ‘Your Sweetness’ is my personal favourite on this album. Taking a more carefree approach, the band bring their own style of love song. ‘Don’t worry that I might; Forget your sweetness’ glides easily over the almost poppy melodies and brings home the true emotion behind the song as well as a memorable tune. ‘Living and Forgiving’ ends with an opening sound which immediately prepares for an emotional battle of a song. The lyrics are crafted perfectly to the music as a tale of lost love is woven in and out of honest vocals and elegant riffs to bring the album to a magnificently climatic end.