Darren Burdis
For over a year, UK singer-songwriter Darren Burdis has been steadily releasing singles. Burdis is a solo act, handling all aspects of writing, producing and promoting his work himself. He hasn’t performed live yet, but that hasn’t prevented him from developing his craft. After reviewing his holiday single, “Alone Again at Christmastime” this December, I’ve compiled a master review for four of his most recent singles.
“Talk About It”
Released in June 2023, “Talk About It” is a plea to salvage a failing relationship. In the beginning, Burdis made it his mission to keep the tracks as stripped back and raw as possible. The only instrument present is a jingling acoustic guitar, but Burdis fills the space with his vocals. His sung melody lilts like a lapping wave as he begs his love to listen to what he has to say. Underneath, vocal harmonies are layered, making up for any color missing from the lack of instruments. They alternate from supporting the vocal line to swirling around it as a countermelody. As the track comes to a close, these harmonic chords take center stage. They repeat the same line a few times, reminiscent of a hymn.
“Talk About It” Album Artwork via Darren Burdis
“Somewhere and Nowhere” Album Artwork via Darren Burdis
“Somewhere and Nowhere”
A few months later, Burdis followed up with “Somewhere and Nowhere.” This track was released in September, taking a very different approach in the production. Although the jangling guitar is still the main focus, Burdis included a chilling string section and emotional horn line. Lyrically, he bemoans that he is overwhelmed by insecurity and sadness, wanting desperately to create a new reality. The juxtaposition of the message and the dark, theatrical instrumentation feels like Burdis is attempting to escape into some type of fantasy world. There, he would be able to pretend he’s back in control. Rousing strings build at the end, before robotic foley shuts it all down. He has to turn off his false reality and face the world.
“We Left It Too Late”
Burdis welcomed 2024 with “We Left It Too Late.” This track’s opening melody is similar to “Somewhere and Nowhere,” as if this is a continuation in the Burdis Cinematic Universe. Now, the relationship is over – any attempts at salvaging this were too little, too late. A rolling snare and jangling guitar march on, because the only way to go is forward. Layered harmonies are back, this time moving against the main melody to add tension and color. Although he has returned to minimal instrumentation, a gritty electric guitar lays below the acoustic this time. It brings a level of seriousness that was missing when it was just acoustic, as if Burdis has grown up since then. About a minute before the end, Burdis changes the key. The new key is brighter, more hopeful, and he muses about what could have been if things had gone differently. This doesn’t last long, though, and he returns to the original key, confirming it is in fact, too late.
“We Left It Too Late” Album Artwork via Darren Burdis
“Scars on Your Memories” Album Artwork via Darren Burdis
“Scars on Your Memories”
Burdis’s most recent single, “Scars on Your Memories,” was released this past weekend, on March 1st. The track opens with TV static, then flipping over to the music. In what appears to be a total departure, “Scars on Your Memories” is more of a traditional rock track. Heavy distortion on the guitar and a high-hat heavy drum set support a raspier vocal melody. Also, instead of missing his lost love, he has completely moved on. He’s looking back on the relationship, and finally sees all of its flaws. Instead of being nostalgic, he’s finally feeling like he can see the light. But, despite all of the shortcomings, Burdis knows that he tried everything he could to make it work. Now, it’s time to start over and acknowledge how these scars can help him grow.
