Boston’s Burp. bring punk-laced Midwest emo on ‘Video Games & Cartoons’ EP
Burp. have released their new EP, Video Games & Cartoons.
Honing an array of influence from across punk and Midwest emo, the band have crafted an unerringly honest collection; frank and immersive whilst carrying an indelibly infectious pop spine.
Speaking on the genesis of the new collection, vocalist Leo Folan shares: “Video Games & Cartoons is an EP that came together immediately after the mixing process of our last record, Acid Reflux. We were about a quarter of the way through recording what we thought we be another album when we got talking to Chris Freeman of Hot Mulligan. He enjoyed the demo of “ELW” we sent and said he’d be like to our whole project. At that time we had about 15 songs written and all in various stages of the recording process.”
Folan continues: “We decided to narrow those down to the five songs we thought were the most fleshed out in terms of song writing, but also that showed the most versatility in style. We really enjoy making songs that shouldn’t work together but somehow do, and this EP, in our opinion, is a great example of that. We ended up having an EP that consists of punk, emo, pop, acoustic, and grunge mixed by a musician from one of our favorite bands & that’s something we’re beyond excited about.”
Burp. started like many bands do. A group of friends making noise in basements, unsure of where, if anywhere, it would lead. But their innate chemistry quickly became evident – both to themselves and their loyal local fanbase, with the release of their 2023 self-titled debut album.
Earning acclaim across the greater Boston area, Burp. struck a chord with a soundscape that took from the 90s pop-punk scene, with splashes of the 10s emo revival. Last year’s Acid Reflux doubled down on the group’s hybrid of raw energy and refined, deliberate storytelling.
“…wildly catchy, with big hooks and riffs guiding the way.” – Get Some Magazine
New EP Video Games & Cartoons is a nostalgic and honest collection, each song a relatable insight into the band’s growth, both sonically and personally, whilst casting their frank (and at times humorous) lenses on the world around them.
“Punky guitars & catchy choruses…could get stuck in your head all day long” – New Noise Magazine
Burp. cites influence from the likes of Microwave, The Front Bottoms and Macseal on the new material and this is evident as their intricate riffs splice melodic punk tones on “Sorry About Nathan”. Pacey punk gem “Ricky Mortis” has already proved a hit with the pop-punk set, with power pop leaning “ELW” another hook-laced offering. Grunge-fuelled “Checkers” and acoustic emo “Stars” showcase the East Coast outfit’s broad and compelling range.
Video Games & Cartoons is a whip-sharp collection of tracks; a clever indie-punk/Midwest emo hybrid awash with pop sensibility.
Burp. is: Joe Milia, Leo Folan, Matt David, Nathan Richer
