Review: Mission of Burma- The Sound The Speed The Light

After reissuing their entire back catalog, Mission of Burma is back to the new album routine, but with a new take on their old sound.

The band has left the path thier last two albums set, and for good reason. Despite their critical success, OnOffOn and The Obliterati didn't live up to the dynamics of early releases like Vs.. The passion was there, but the band's signature sound wasn't. A piece of the puzzle was missing, or a part of the story was glossed over. But after a 19-year hiatus, The Sound The Speed The Light is really where the band really left off.

Bob Weston's production has let Mission of Burma to return to their classic sound and progress it; exploring more vocal harmonies, unconventional guitar sounds, and a little keyboard, too.

The opening "1, 2, 3, Partyy!" is an anthemic kick in the face to frewheeling excess; and even at their most straightforward, Burma's experimental elements shine through with prerecorded counts of "1, 2, 3" and Roger Miller's fevered screams filling the background. "Blunder" has a clumsy agression that's almost out of control, and "SSL 83"--surprisingly enough--relies heavily on the organ and reveresed vocals to fill some gaps.

The Sound has a lot of Burma's old tricks, too: singing in rounds, alternative chord progressions, and whatever Bob Weston can pull from his bag of sound samples, loops, and manpulations. Not to mention that Roger Miller's guitar playing hasn't lost an ounce of attitude.

In an age where technology and exploration have brought music to new heights, Mission of Burma can still produce an album that pushes the envelope. The Sound The Speed The Light is a raw post-punk adventure.

MP3: Mission of Burma- "1, 2, 3, Partyy!"








Extra MP3s:
Mission of Burma- "Max Ernst"
Mission of Burma- "Weatherbox (Live)"

For more info on Mission of Burma, visit missionofburma.com

-Article by Anthony Fantano

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