The UK dub/DnB/Garage artist Burial has recently released a two-piece single titled 'Dreamfear.' The two songs on the record, titled 'Dreamfear' and 'Boy Sent From Above,' are both really cool and each trying to break their own ground. They are a hazy mix between Jungle, DnB, vocal samples, and overall make it sound like the best fever dream you ever had. Burial is known for his reclusive nature, which is kind of ironic. Anyway, this latest release is supposedly made for raves. I love that longer pieces are accepted, and even though these two tracks have more of a dark/unsettling tone than you would imagine your average party-goer to have, I think they will still fit very well over some nights. Also, just listening to the tracks home alone is a fun experience. I think that if you are not familiar with the genre, this is one of those times I would plead for you to just give it a chance. Don’t turn it off if you think it sounds strange in the first few seconds. Let it cook, as they say.

Previously, Burial has released music mostly through the record label Hyperdub, but with this release, he is changing to XL Recordings. This might be because of better terms or new knowledge/contacts gathered through his collaboration last year with Four Tet and Thom Yorke on the release 'Her Revolution'/'His Rope.' Along with this release came teaser posters and white label 12” vinyl exclusive editions. These records were then only distributed to select record stores.

As I already mentioned, the records have so many sounds and layers that it makes them hazy. But I think the sounds fit together super well and that there is a clear direction for where Burial wants to take them. In the first track, we hear a plethora of synths/vocal samples with garage drums and also some sung phrases. The vocals are more soulful/RnB than what I am used to hearing in this genre. Within the songs there are so many little bits of audio that are masterfully blended into the mix. Not only the musical elements like synths and vocals. The second track has what sounds like a spray can working as a chaotic, constant percussive rhythm in the background. Also, the sounds are just nice. As in, they just go together well and are probably processed very methodically to tingle your ears in a certain way.

I think you should definitely find a time where you can set aside 20 minutes and give this two-track single a try. Both these songs pack too much musical information to describe in less than half of a book. I think that this is truly a time where you just have to listen to see if you like the mix of lo-fi/hi-fi, sample vocals, and frequent beat switches. I think this project is really cool and I am excited to see what the future brings us from Burial.

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!