[Review from Elmore Magazine, October 2008]

Bob Burger

Cymbals at Dawn

Surprise Party

(Big Brave Music)

There are so many fantastic singer/songwriters whose talents are criminally underrated, and Bob Burger is one of them. In the past, the New Jersey-based Burger has written songs for the likes of Styx, Donnie Iris, HBO Pictures and most notably for and with longtime collaborator Glen Burtnik. Burger also happens to have two solo CDs under his belt—Cymbals at Dawn and Surprise Party. Burger’s first solo offering, Cymbals at Dawn, released in 2003, is an infectious example of Burger’s ultra-melodic sensibilities. The guy’s got a gift for memorable hooks. Names like Tom Petty, the Beatles and Springsteen have all been tossed around when it comes to describing Burger’s music. There are traces of each, but Burger’s clearly not trying to ride anyone’s coattails. Melodic acoustic powerpop is an acceptable tag for the vibe Bob Burger exudes. There’s the upbeat stuff like “Madalynn,” which hearkens Flowers in the Dirt-era Paul McCartney, and then there are the heart-wrenchers like “Over the Edge,” which sounds like a lost track from laterperiod Roy Orbison. The acoustic overtones and subtle rhythm accompaniment on Cymbals at Dawn work well with Burger’s clean, expressive voice. Burger’s 2007 solo release Surprise Party is a driving, electric record, with more of a full band accompaniment. The sound here is prototypical “power-pop,” if such a thing exists. The edgy “Opposite Reaction” is superb, showcasing the emotional range of Burger’s voice. The rollicking minor key strumming in “Need to Bleed” is guaranteed to get feet tapping. “Sleep of the Wicked,” one of the hardest-rocking tracks on the disc, is a standout and an example of Burger at his best. The track is pure raw nerve, and guarantees repeat listens. Talent like Bob Burger’s, unfortunately, isn’t measured in record sales. It’s measured in the response of the listener. And if my response is any indication, it’s the equivalent of going platinum many times over.

—Mark Uricheck