Has it really been more than four years since the last OLP album? Yeah, it has. We can blame Raine Maida, too.
With his new home studio in LA, the band is no longer under any kind of time constraints. They were free to record Burn Burn at a leisurely, contemplative pace. Everyone would fly in, work on some tracks and then scatter for a few months. Then, with fresh ears, they’d reconvene back at Raine’s place and continue to work.
The result is a lean’n’mean ten-track album that finishes up in a smidgen over 38 minutes—a welcome bit of restraint in an era where some bands think that a great album has to be 71 minutes long.
Here’s my track-by-track peak at Burn Burn
"All You Did Was Save My Life" (3:49)
The album’s first single came together rather quickly, one of those songs that almost seemed to write itself. Drummer Jeremy Taggart told me that “As soon as we heard Raine’s lyrics for this one, we knew we had our single.
"Dreamland" (3:36)
If I had a say, this would be the second single from the album. The honky-tonk piano intro is a nice touch and is obviously one of those sounds that came from having the time to experiment in Raine’s studio. My favourite bit is Steve Mazur’s Queen-like guitar stab at 43 seconds into the song.
"Monkey Brains" (4:31)
A noisy 6/8 intro segues into a thumping Duncan Coutts bass line that eventually breaks into a chaotic chorus with Raine warning “They’re coming after you.” Paranoid fun.
"The End Is Where We Begin" (3:24)
A definite candidate for a single. As optimistic as “Monkey Brains” is paranoid.
"Escape Artist" (4:02)
Rumour is that “Escape Artist” was the band’s first choice for the title of the album. Mid-tempo and plaintiff, there are sounds in the mix that must have taken much time to find and blend. The soaring chorus features more of Steve’s Brian May-like bursts of guitar.
"Refuge" (4:16)
An early favourite of mine. It begins with a keyboard pulse that builds toward another soaring chorus.
"Never Get Over You" (3:57)
Introspective piano intro (is that an accordion in the background?) leads into a verse laden with regret and hurt. There’s a line that includes the words “Burn, burn,” which, along with providing the title for the album, is also a reference to a passage in Jack Keroauc’s 1957 classic book, On the Road.
"White Flags" (3:18)
Another possible single, methinks, thanks to its familiar Our Lady Peace-ishness. Might end up being a concert favourite.
"Signs of Life" (3:14)
“Not lookin’ for trouble/Takin’ it on the chin,” sings Raine with Steve’s George Harrison-ish guitar providing some interesting atmosphere in the background.
"Papermoon" (3:57)
The album’s closer ends with another dollop of familiar Our Lady Peace sounds, including Raine’s reach into falsetto territory. Very tasty solo by Steve midway through.
Two more songs, “Time Bomb” and “The Right Stuff,” will be released as part of a deluxe edition of Burn Burn. That version will also come with a DVD featuring footage shot in Raine’s studio in LA and some music videos. And yes, there will be a vinyl edition.
Now this: Want to see Our Lady Peace introduce the album live at a secret studio location on Monday, July 20? ExploreMusic.com will be streaming the show live!
Remember: If you have questions for the band, leave us a comment (scroll down), and we'll do our best to ask them. You can also do it via Twitter.
And here's my exclusive with Our Lady Peace.