Alright, let’s dive into Finch’s What It Is To Burn – New Beginnings. This album dropped in 2002 and honestly? It’s a raw, emotional rollercoaster that hits different even today. If you’re into Post-Hardcore or Emo vibes, this one's gonna slap for you. Released under Universal Music Group in the UK, it’s got that early 2000s edge—unpolished but dripping with heart.
First off, the title track “What It Is To Burn” is an absolute banger. I mean, how do you not remember this one? The energy punches you right in the feels from the first chord. It’s got this chaotic yet melodic vibe that just screams “teenage angst meets hope.” Plus, the videoclip? Iconic. It’s one of those tracks that makes you wanna scream along while also kinda crying in your room. You know what I mean? It’s messy, loud, and beautiful all at once. Honestly, if this song doesn’t give you goosebumps, are you even alive?
Then there’s “New Beginnings (Videoclip)”, specifically the Letterbox Version—which, okay, sounds fancy but really just adds to the whole nostalgic VHS-era aesthetic they were going for. This track has this build-up that sneaks up on you. It starts slow, almost like it’s lulling you into a false sense of calm, and then BAM—it explodes. The vocals are raw, like straight-from-the-heart raw, and the guitar riffs hit hard without trying too hard. It’s one of those songs where you can tell the band wasn’t phoning it in—they meant every second of it.
Finch didn’t reinvent the wheel with this album, but they didn’t need to. They captured something real—a snapshot of being young, lost, and figuring stuff out. And honestly, isn’t that what Emo and Post-Hardcore are all about? Raw emotion over killer riffs.
Here’s the thing though: listening to this now feels kinda surreal. Like, we’ve all grown up, moved on, but these tracks still feel fresh somehow. Or maybe it’s just me clinging to my youth. Either way, it’s wild how music can freeze time like that. Who knew screaming into a pillow could sound so good?
Anyway, give this album a spin if you haven’t already—you won’t regret it. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself yelling lyrics alone in your car.
