Blueburst’s ‘Significance‘ is not just an album; it’s a triumphant testament to the enduring power of passion and creativity. In a music industry often obsessed with youth, Blueburst defies the norm as the brainchild of a seasoned artist, guitarist/vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, who, at the age of 50, rekindled his music career with a fervor that defies the notion that it’s ever too late to pursue one’s passion.
The journey of Blueburst is a remarkable one. After a promising start with his 1990s band, The Reach, major label interest never quite materialised, and Miller found himself in a 20-plus-year musical hibernation due to untreated clinical depression and writer’s block. However, a fortuitous meeting with legendary guitarist Marty Willson-Piper changed everything. Willson-Piper became Miller’s trusted mentor and collaborator, breathing new life into his musical pursuits. Inspired by Willson-Piper’s guidance and the ample time during the pandemic, Miller resurrected his home studio and delved deep into his creative well to craft an album’s worth of original songs, birthing Blueburst.
‘Significance‘ delivers a lush, guitar-based sound deeply rooted in the legacy of ’80s alternative and post-punk. While paying homage to its retro influences, the album manages to sound both modern and timeless, transcending eras. In a musical landscape often dominated by overproduced slickness, Blueburst fearlessly embraces the rawness and authenticity that characterised the music of the past. This approach gives the album a refreshing honesty that is sometimes missing in today’s music scene.
Lyrically, Miller tackles the zeitgeist, reflecting the angst and turmoil of recent years through his rejuvenated spirit. The themes of seizing life’s fleeting moments and striving to leave a mark on the world resonate with listeners seeking a cathartic release and a sense of shared experience.
Blueburst’s collaborators, including drummers Michael Jerome and Brian Platt, bassist Ryan Kelly, and vocalist Riley Schatz, all bring their impressive professional pedigrees to the table. With Marty Willson-Piper’s distinctive and creative guitar work enhancing Miller’s songs, “Significance” is a dynamic and intelligent musical journey that alternately crunches, chimes, jangles, and pounds.
The debut single, ‘Vanish’, released in March, served as a compelling introduction to the world of Blueburst. ‘Significance‘ promises to cement Blueburst’s place in the musical landscape, proving that age is no barrier to creating powerful and resonant music.
In ‘Significance‘, Blueburst has not only defied expectations but has also delivered a captivating and raw album that reminds us of the enduring power of music. Craig Douglas Miller’s journey and newfound passion, guided by the talents of Marty Willson-Piper and an ensemble of accomplished musicians, make ‘Significance‘ an album that deserves to be celebrated for its authenticity and timeless sound.
