In a musical landscape filled with modern sounds and glossy production values, Blueburst emerges as a refreshing throwback to the gritty, raw energy of 80s alternative rock. Their latest single, “Kick My Tires,” exudes the spirit of this bygone era with an unapologetically retro style, proudly showcasing their oldwave influences. Comprising a talented ensemble of musicians, including Craig Douglas Miller, Marty Willson-Piper, Michael Jerome, and Ryan Kelly, “Kick My Tires” captures the essence of a time when alternative rock was at its peak.
Blueburst’s sound is firmly rooted in 80s alternative and post-punk, but it manages to feel timeless and energetic. The song, with its foot-pounding pace and lush guitar-based melodies, takes us on a nostalgic journey to an era where the music was uncomplicated, raw, and undeniably captivating. While the band undoubtedly draws inspiration from their forebears, they infuse their own unique twist into the mix, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh.
Lead vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, who also plays guitars and bass, is the driving force behind “Kick My Tires.” His passionate and evocative performance channels the energy of the 80s alternative rock frontmen while adding a touch of modern-day finesse. Marty Willson–Piper’s guitar work resonates with a haunting quality that is quintessential to the era, making it an inseparable part of the song’s identity. Michael Jerome’s drumming provides a solid backbone, driving the track forward with an infectious rhythm that’s hard to resist.
The production and mixing of “Kick My Tires” is a testament to Blueburst’s dedication to authenticity. Handled by Craig Douglas Miller and Marty Willson–Piper, the production maintains a raw, unpolished feel, as if the song was recorded live in a gritty underground club. Ben Etter’s mixing further accentuates the vintage aesthetics, ensuring that the song’s nostalgia factor is cranked up to the max.
“Kick My Tires” is a testament to Blueburst’s commitment to keeping the spirit of 80s alternative rock alive. While many modern alternative rock acts lean towards overproduction and slick soundscapes, Blueburst stands out by embracing the unrefined, authentic essence of the genre. In a world where the line between alternative rock and pop can often blur, “Kick My Tires” stands as a reminder of what once was and a testament to the enduring power of the past.
With their latest single, Blueburst proves that they are not content with merely reviving the past but are ready to usher it into the present. “Kick My Tires” is a testament to the enduring allure of alternative rock’s heyday and a testament to the band’s passion for the music of yesteryears. If you’re a fan of 80s alternative rock or if you simply crave a departure from the polished sounds of today, give “Kick My Tires” a listen and let Blueburst take you on a journey through time and sound.
ABOUT THE BAND:
Blueburst isn’t your typical band of starry-eyed twenty-somethings making their debut. Instead, it’s the brainchild of an unlikely “new” artist: guitarist/vocalist Craig Douglas Miller. At the age of 50, Miller is breathing life back into a music career, he’d once written off, defying the notion that it’s ever too late to pursue one’s passion.
After major label interest for his 1990s band, The Reach, never quite panned out, Miller entered a 20-plus-year period of musical hibernation, the result of untreated clinical depression, writer’s block, and “perhaps a few too many gin and tonics” as Miller succinctly puts it.
However, a fortuitous meeting with legendary guitarist Marty Willson-Piper (The Church, Noctorum, All About Eve) changed everything. Miller finally found the missing piece of his musical puzzle: a trusted mentor and collaborator. Inspired by Willson-Piper’s guidance and with time on his hands during the pandemic, Miller resurrected his home studio, delving deep into his creative well to complete an album’s worth of original songs. Thus, the birth of Blueburst— named after the finish on his favorite guitar.
Together, Miller and Willson-Piper deliver a lush, guitar-based sound, firmly rooted in the legacy of ’80s alternative and post-punk, but with a modern and timeless feel that transcends eras. In a musical landscape often dominated by overproduced slickness, Blueburst fearlessly embraces its retro influences, proudly wearing its oldwave inspirations on its sleeve. “Most of my friends, and a lot of younger people as well, are still listening to the albums we grew up with because there’s a rawness and honesty in that music,” says Miller. “That authenticity is what we’ve aspired to capture here.”
Lyrically, Miller dives headfirst into the zeitgeist, reflecting the angst and turmoil of recent years through the prism of his rejuvenated spirit. At the age of 50, he has defied the constraints of a mid-life crisis, embracing a newfound zest for life and music. Themes of seizing life’s fleeting moments and striving to leave a mark on the world permeate the fabric of Blueburst’s sonic tapestry, resonating with listeners seeking a cathartic release.
Miller’s collaborators boast impressive professional pedigrees: including drummers Michael Jerome (Better Than Ezra, Richard Thompson) and Brian Platt (The Cads), bassist Ryan Kelly (Dayroom), and vocalist Riley Schatz. Add in Willson-Piper sprinkling his inimitable brand of creative guitar work over top of Miller’s songs, and the result is dynamic intelligent music that alternately crunches, chimes, jangles and pounds.
Blueburst unveiled their debut single, “Vanish,” in March, with new singles arriving monthly throughout the summer. The highly anticipated full album, entitled “Significance”, is set to grace our ears in October 2023, solidifying Blueburst’s place in the musical landscape.
