Burst One's Side – Various Songs 2008-2010: A Raw, Unfiltered Rock Ride
Alright, let me tell ya about this gem of an album that kinda snuck up on me. Various Songs 2008-2010 by Burst One’s Side is one of those records you stumble across when you’re not even looking for anything special. It’s rough around the edges, self-released under their own label in France back in 2010, but man—it punches way above its weight. If Melodic Hardcore and Punk are your thing (and honestly, why wouldn’t they be?), this little collection deserves a spot in your playlist.
First off, let’s talk about “Admission,” which is actually a cover of an 88 Fingers Louie track. I gotta say, these guys didn’t just slap together some half-hearted version—they made it theirs. The energy here feels like someone lit a firecracker inside the recording booth. You can hear the urgency in every chord, every shout. Like, it’s not perfect—but that’s what makes it so damn good. It’s raw, emotional, and hits you right where it counts. When life gets messy, this song feels like the soundtrack to punching through walls—or at least screaming into a pillow.
Then there’s “Emancipation Brings Wondering.” Whoa, okay. This track sticks with you because it’s got layers. At first, it comes off as another punk anthem, fast-paced and loud enough to rattle your skull. But if you listen closer, there’s something deeper—a sense of searching, maybe even frustration. The lyrics feel personal, like whoever wrote them was working out some heavy stuff while jamming. And yeah, the melody latches onto your brain like gum on a shoe. By the third listen, you’ll find yourself humming along even though you don’t mean to.
What really struck me about this album is how unapologetically DIY it feels. There’s no fancy production tricks or glossy sheen trying to mask imperfections. Instead, you get grit, passion, and a whole lot of heart. It reminds me of those late-night basement shows where everyone’s sweaty and singing along like their lives depend on it. That vibe? Pure magic.
Here’s the kicker though—this isn’t gonna win any Grammys, and it probably wasn’t meant to. What Burst One’s Side created instead is something more real than most overproduced albums could ever dream of being. Listening to it feels like finding a handwritten note tucked inside an old book. Imperfect, yes, but full of soul.
So go ahead, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start air-drumming uncontrollably or yelling random phrases in public. Oh, and hey—if anyone asks why you suddenly love French punk rock, just shrug and say, “Dude, sometimes music finds you.”
