“Surrender my mind and sell my soul, gonna give ‘em away, gonna lose control,” are the opening lyrics to Georgie native Wieuca’s album, Burning Platform. Will Ingram’s strained voice yelling over a backdrop of cycling drums and distorted guitar riffs provides an exuberant and gritty introduction to the record. The lyrics are about ceasing to care about things that cause you stress, yet remaining despondent, with the protagonist admitting at the song’s outro, ”There’s nowhere else to go.” Despite the dark lyrics, the song sounds uplifting, with its fast tempo and triumphant melodies. Life On Hold is the perfect soundtrack to a coming-of-age drama about a teenager who is sick of their dull life in suburbia; when the song ends, they decide to leave home and never turn back.
The album continues with its grungy off-kilter punk takes on isolation, and frustration with the current state of the world. The soundscapes that Wieuca creates are reminiscent of older albums, like Beck’s Mellowgold, as the melodies and song structures are complex and grand, but executed using eclectic instrumentation and effects. TurboFaith LLC features a lumbering beat and banjos preceding each chorus, whereas Love Shaq’s guitars roar on the chorus but are preceded by swirling woodwinds that beget a dreamy floating sensation before violently pulling the listener back into each chorus. Get Off My Cloud pairs a recorder solo (yes, a recorder solo) back to back with a guitar solo at the bridge, and Man of the House samples masculine vocals, interjecting each verse, which lend to the psychedelic and ridiculous nature of the track’s tone and lyrics.
Lyrically, many songs address forms of escapism: leaving the current world or seeking solace in one’s own mind—“Everybody’s living in their own world” and “Get the fuck off my cloud” are standout mantras that underpin the album’s theme. I appreciate the unexpected imagery referenced by the lyrics: whether comparing himself to Copernicus on Percocet falling out of the sky, or smoking napalm while professing his authority as the “man of the house.” These oddball comparisons inject personality into each song with their irony and blunt humor. Other tracks are more urgent in tone; for example, on Dollop, the protagonist expresses an urge to keep ties with a significant other, “Wait for me, we can last, I don’t wanna be stuck in a frame, stuck in the past.” The track’s instrumentation glitches and hangs around regretful lyrics about losing someone special, seeking solace in dreams of an alternative reality, “Can’t get you off my mind, warm through the sheets, dreaming and still mine.” The album peaks in intensity on Domestic Bliss, with an acknowledgment that they can’t avoid the pain they caused others, “I hear the voices. I feel the void of the lives that I destroyed, and left thoughts I can’t avoid.” It is a strong sentiment to close the album—amidst roaring guitars and pounding drums, which give way to heavy drones and feedback.
The attention to detail in Burning Platform’s lyrics and sounds warrant repeated listens. This band has a distinct sound and brand; their melancholic and ironic lyrics contrasted by the energetic performances and colorful instrumentation. The album cover alone reeks of personality, with its vibrant and saturated cult drawings on a large high heel – worn by a green foot. If you’re reading this, Wieuca, please come to Boston! We would love to catch your next show, and we’ll also keep a close eye on your catalog as you continue expanding your sound.
– Evan
Edited by: Seán Pierce