Burning Leaf - Amber and Gray

 

 

Burning Leaf - Amber and Gray
Self-released - 2024
Stoner, Grunge, Alternative Rock
Rated: ****

Burning Leaf is a Serbian groove machine that hails from the mountainous southeast of the country and their second outing 'Amber and Gray' again displays an eclectic mix of styles. You name it and they deliver. No questions asked. Opener 'Kroz Sunce' for example has a metal edge, while 'Dah' and 'Odo' are being pushed forward by a stoner groove with hints of the heavier side of grunge. 'Ember Fields' on the other hand is a midtempo grunge song that summons the spirit of Candlebox and incorporates some guitar lines that bring back memories of Pearl Jam's better work, whereas the duo that closes the album ('Water & Wine' and 'Drown') is a convincing exploration of what one can do within alternative rock territory. And then I haven't even mentioned the mesmerizing, laidback folk song 'Petlovi Pojev' that sends a tsunami of shivers down your spine and leaves you stranded with a goosebump-covered skin.

The well-crafted and in depth lyrics (both in English and their native Serbian language), where human observation and introspection meet a deep love for the beautiful region these guys live in, provide another, deeper layer. It's an added bonus to an already great album that flows as smooth as the Nišava river that runs through their hometown Pirot and is in every aspect a step forward compared to their debut 'Hold the Tides Away' (which was already good in its own right and is well worth checking out too). So, don't hesitate and give Burning Leaf some due respect and support.

(Written by Ronny Dijksterhuis)

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