Album Review: Christian Burns’ ‘Simple Modern Answers’

EDM powerhouse, Christian Burns, is abandoning the customary “featuring” title that regularly sits next to his name and turning it around. With the release of his long-awaited debut album, Simple Modern Answers, via Armada, Burns is now the one pulling all the strings and has collaborated with trance royalty such as BT, Paul van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold and Jes to create a debut that is sure to turn heads and volume levels alike.

To say I have been eagerly awaiting this release is an understatement. For those of you not familiar, Christian Burns was one-third of the UK pop rock trio, BBMak, who superbly churned out hits, “Back Here,” “Still On Your Side,” and “Out Of My Heart.” Since the band’s split in 2003, Burns has switched up his game by joining the EDM family while showcasing his angelic vocals on tracks by Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, Alex M.O.R.P.H., and BT among others. I first discovered his solo material, (particularly the ever-haunting “Breakdown” from another project) one evening in early winter 2010. It was euphoria to my ears and I have been hooked ever since.

The journey towards his debut album has been long, but after listening to it in it’s entirety several times since it’s release last Friday, I’m only reminded that amazing things don’t just happen overnight. The anticipation has been bittersweet, especially after last July’s official album announcement. Fans of Burns have been waiting patiently for this release and it delivers everything we’ve ever hoped for and more.

The album’s title, Simple Modern Answers, stems from each song on the record holding the answer to questions Burns once asked. I find myself figuring out answers I’ve been asking as well throughout the album, especially with tracks like “We Are Tonight,” “Then There Were None,” and “The Enemy,” which I was happy to see on the track listing after hearing a demo a couple of years ago. “Perfectly” describes a situation in my life, well…perfectly. Some people come into your life unexpectedly, and whether they know it or not, they can wake you up to so many possibilities and help you fall into place.

“Kingdom Castle Ruins” has been a favorite before I even heard the song in full. I’ll admit I visited the album’s pre-order page on iTunes and previewed every song more than I can count. Another favorite, “Lovers Till The End” has an infectious electric atmosphere that pretty much explains why the genre of trance is called just that.

Needless to say, Simple Modern Answers ‘kicks out the jams’ and was definitely worth the wait! As the weather gets colder and I’m in dire need of some answers, you can find me with a pair of headphones with the world turned off for about 80 minutes.

Simple Modern Answers is available now here.

More For You

5 Reasons To Love St. Lucia’s ‘When The Night’

5 Reasons To Love CHVRCHES’ ‘The Bones Of What You Believe’

Album Review: HAIM’s ‘Days Are Gone’