Label: SBÄM Records and Double Helix Records

Genre: Punk

Line Up:

Ian Egloff: Bass/Vocals

Justin Rodrigues: Drums

Pete Vincelli: Vocals/Guitar

Tracklist:

1.Another Round
2.The Body
3.Paradise
4.As the Crow Flies
5.Springdale Ave.
6.Tulsa Heat
7.Annabel Lee
8.Broken Promises
9.Fox Lake
10.Maple Place

Imagine the intensity of SR-71 or Sum 41 with a bit more grit and depth in the vocals, and you’ll begin to grasp the essence of Burntmill Ghosts. Formed by Pete Vincell and Ian Egloff in 2021, the band addresses historical events such as the California Gold Rush (“As the Crow Flies”), the Tulsa Massacre (“Tulsa Heat”), organized crime (“Fox Lake”), and Native American displacement (“Broken Promises”). As an American band, they naturally focus on domestic events. Fortunately, the music’s compelling nature encourages listeners to explore these historical topics more deeply.

For those who appreciate a blend of punk and classic literature, Burntmill Ghosts offer songs inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy” (“Paradise”), Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Annabel Lee”, and Stephen King’s “Stand By Me” in “The Body.”

The era when rock albums primarily focused on superficial themes like women and cars has passed. Today, lyricists often tackle significant issues, with social commentary driving much of contemporary music, and Burntmill Ghosts are no exception.

“As the Crow Flies” will energize listeners, compelling them to move with the music’s powerful rhythm, while “Paradise” introduces a hint of ska, a welcome addition to this genre. “Springdale Avenue” takes a more subdued approach with an acoustic guitar, creating a modern anthem that could rival the work of Billy Joe Armstrong.

The album concludes with high energy in “Maple Place,” which races by at a breakneck speed, ending in just 2 minutes and 40 seconds—an exhilarating close to an impressively surprising debut in a genre where such surprises are rare.