Songwriting and production raise the bar in unison with smart, smooth and captivating lyrics – a seamless flow and a confident kind of nonchalance that’s enthralling. BURMO captures a clear sense of purpose, with DARE Tuh Feel.
From the outset the production is lush, light guitars and playful rhythms stopping and starting, alongside a melodic hook that rises and falls like a sleepy fusion of hip hop and country.
DARE Tuh Feel is off to a likable start, distinct and relevant stylistically, but also authentically emotional enough to connect in a way that holds your interest.
Then we move into the bars, the verses, this quiet but relentlessly paced outpouring of lyrics, and suddenly BURMO’s style and talent shift from good to great. The storytelling is crucial, elevating the true meaning of DARE Tuh Feel, and aptly representing this idea of feeling something real, of daring to let yourself go there, and being unafraid of using that experience and those feelings in art and music.
Lasting a pretty perfect but, in hindsight, rather brief-seeming three minutes and fifteen seconds, DARE Tuh Feel is mildly influenced by a number of alternative hits, but ultimately lands confidently amidst its own sense of intention and depth.
BURMO talks about romantic connection, holding attention with a dynamic that’s faultless in both flow and progression. The lyrics are loaded with images and moments that follow a clear sense of evolution, gripping the listener in the smart and sharp scenes, reflecting momentarily on contemporary traits that seem familiar, then naturally redirecting things towards personal identity and originality.
We get into escapism from darkness, intoxication, curfews and religion, all listed but also cleverly incorporated into a breathless outpouring from the artist. With each re-listen you catch some new reference point, some new play on words, some new emotional turmoil or revelation, and that vulnerability and talent works beautifully as one – not least of all within this nostalgic and honest, recognisable hip hop bassline and beat combination.
Interesting writing, satisfying flows and music – an enjoyable take and hopefully the first of many worthy releases from GMGE Records artist BURMO.
