Music is music. It can be good, bad, or ugly. Except for when a French man sings it. Then it becomes something completely different. Musical artist Burzinski has mastered the romantic, darkly melodic prose of quasi-psychedelic rhythms that are sweetly delivered with the most beautiful French accent imaginable. His album Untimely Tales, a 9-track journey into gothic romanticism, begins with “A Dark Shape,” which proves to be soothing music to relax to. Burzinski’s voice is deep and rather haunting and the music is slow and calming. This piece is best listening to with closed eyes and an open mind. “Invisible Birds” is also a rather calming and relaxing journey into Burzinski’s world as his voice resonates deeply and seductively. This melody has a touch of sadness to it, and yet it is oddly uplifting. Listeners may find themselves slowly sinking into a trance of sorts as the music plays and the art unravels.
“Here” continues in this vein with what is quickly becoming known at the signature Burzinski sound; mellow, melancholy, slightly psychedelic trance music. Some listeners may hear a touch of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Others might think of the psychedelic pop of Slowdive. But in all actuality, there is no real way to pinpoint the sound of Burzinksi’s music or to neatly categorize it into any specific genre. It is wholly unique and original music that simply flows effortlessly along. “The Narrow Road Home” is a bit dreamier than the preceding tracks and takes the listener even deeper into Burzinski’s romantic mellow-tronic vision. The imagery this piece brings to mind is one of misty haze and shades of blue and grey. The rhythm tends to emulate the sound of footsteps and is slightly catchy despite the slow tempo. The feet may find themselves tapping – or walking the narrow road home.
Untimely Tales continues with the track “Curtain” and Burzinski graces the world endlessly with his hauntingly melodious voice. The listener may have some difficulty, as has been the case with the preceding tracks as well, in picking up the lyrics. Burzinski’s voice is deep and there is plenty of reverb to give it the haunting quality that is so endearing, but the overall sound can come across a bit muddled from time to time. However, the sound quality improves somewhat with the song “An Untimely Tale,” which is one of the more standout pieces on the album. The melody is crisper, the vocals are less muffled, and the rhythm is slightly varied. The words best used to describe this song would be masterfully melancholy. “City Lights” has a note of despondency in it as Burzinski laments being lied to, and his voice carries with it the pain in his heart. This song is an artistic expression of self and the piano work is an exceptionally nice touch, as it gives this song strength and emotion. This track is perhaps the most heartfelt one on the album yet, and listeners will be sure to sympathize with Burzinski’s pain and suffering.
“Using Mirrors” carries a slightly more upbeat rhythm to it and Burzinski proves that his unique mellow-tronic music is not only calming and relaxing, but also uplifting in its own way. His vocals are stronger in this piece than in any of the preceding tracks. The instrumentation is well thought out and the sound is quite extraordinary. “Using Mirrors” is a very well-composed piece of music and it adds something essential to this album. It adds a sense of calm joyfulness – a sensation that many things are possible and that anything can happen. Untimely Tales closes with “The Frightening Door” and Burzinski leaves his listeners once more swaying to the beat of a slightly otherworldly state of consciousness. This artist has succeeded in taking his listeners into his world – A place where music is art, and art is music.
Review written by Rhonda Readence
