Album Details

• Artist: Charles Burst
• Album: Come Home And Feast
• Label: Ernest Jenning
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2009-03-13

If Cat Stevens and Ian Hunter replaced Gilford & Tilbrook in Squueze, you might have Charles Burst-hook-laden pop with skewed caustic lyrics that betray the sweetness of the melodies. Galling truth with a smile is what "Come Home and Feast" promises and delivers.

But Burst, former drummer and singer for Occasion, stuns with his words more than his knack for hooks. "You reach a certain age, fate turns a page and you go out to bars," he sings, and there is a boozy, late night, let-me-tell-you-something feel to many of these songs, though they are never cloying or sentimental as would be your average barfly with stories to tell. There is sentiment, about growing old ("Nautical") accepting that you will be embarrassing to someone along the way, and that, even though you are heartbroken, everyone else is in the same boat so stop whining and move along. ("House Arrest," "Nights Out"). Burst is not afraid to go for the emotion gut punch either, as the truths contained in "I Came Back For The Children" and the title track will hit home to anyone above toddler age.

The band assembled for the session is understated, but keeps a constant emotional groove and is equal to the deftness of the lyrics. While Burst handles the piano, bassist Jim D'Amico and guitarist Patrick McCarthy keep the bottom solid and soulful.

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