Search - Smog :: Burning Kingdom

I'm not lonely anymore...maybe a little depressed

05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is amazing that 20 minutes can have such a profound effect on your mood! Over the course of six songs, Callahan makes you confused and a little sad at the same time, but you don't really know why. The fidelity of this recording is pretty bad, it doesn't sound like a four-track, but the sound is comparable to Beck's "One foot in the Grave." Callahan uses the services of a violin and cello to great effect, particularly on the first track, where the combination of distorted guitar, cello, violin and tom rolls make a splendidly gloomy atmoshpere before the song actually starts. All the other songs are just as effective, using spare but effective instrumentation and placing Callahan's voice low in the mix a la Stephen Malkmus in "Slanted and Enchanted." "Renee Died" features Cynthia Dall on vocals and guitar, and the two harsh acoustic guitars on the track contrast with dall's frail voice. Overall this 6 song ep will leave you feeling emotionally raw, listen to it straight through at night with headphones just before you go to sleep, interesting music to fall asleep to....that's for sure. Overall a wonderful disc, with plenty of emotional moments."

A perfect short CD

Zaph Mann | Hillsboro, OR United States | 03/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many CDs are too long, this one is six tracks of perfection. I have it on my top shelf of 42 (by the way I own over 2000 and have sold 8000+)Other SMOG stuff can be weak and wayward but Burning Kingdom is an essential for any collection of alternative rock. Comparisons can be made to Flaming Lips/Mercury Rev even Guided By Voices. Buy it - it's a bargain!"

Like a black cloud of doom descending

David Group | Buffalo, NY | 10/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At only about 25 minutes, this CD has more raw angst and gloom than many full-length CDs. Blistering guitarwork, pained vocals, and gut-wrenching lyrics combine into a funeral dirge straight into a black pit of darkness that defies categorization. Absolutely stunning."