Bullitz 23 – Burn CD EP

If there’s one thing Bullitz 23 knows how to do, it’s to grab you by the collar and thrust you into the heart of a punk rock maelstrom. Their latest offering, the Burn EP, is a thrilling three-track blitz that refuses to let up, punctuated by a bonus demo of the title track featuring the legendary Gizz Butt. This EP doesn’t just command your attention; it demands it with a raw, unfiltered, and infectious energy.

From the moment you press play on the lead track, “Burn,” you’re pulled into a whirlwind of gritty guitar riffs that feel like they’ve been forged in the fiery pits of punk rock’s golden era. The track is a fierce anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a monotonous small-town life, its lyrics painting a vivid picture of a character who’s always on the wrong side of the tracks, itching for escape. The guitars, with their biting precision, are nothing short of electrifying. They roar with an urgency that mirrors the desperation in the lyrics, incorporating intricate riffs and melodies that hit you like a sonic punch to the gut. The brass section adds an unexpected yet brilliant flair, a nostalgic and refreshing feel, like a well-worn leather jacket with a new patch sewn on. It’s a nod to the ska and soul influences that have always bubbled beneath the surface of punk, and it works to perfection here.

“Karma,” the second track, takes a darker turn, both musically and thematically. Here, Bullitz 23 taps into the raw, confrontational spirit of punk, with a tale of justice being served cold to an overzealous cop. The guitar work on this track is particularly noteworthy—there’s a haunting arpeggio that threads its way through the song, echoing the spectral classic punk rock sounds. Andi Chalmers’ ferocious vocal delivery sounds superb throughout the entire track, commanding attention and guiding listeners from scratch to finish. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to throw a fist in the air and scream along, its energy relentless and unapologetic. The guitars crash together in a glorious cacophony before the chorus comes back for one last, extended blow, leaving you breathless and ready for more.

The final track, “Still Not Dead,” is an unflinching tribute to the die-hard punks who never gave up, who’ve weathered every storm and come out the other side with their heads held high. It’s a celebratory anthem with a timeless message: be yourself, no matter the cost. Musically, it’s a toe-tapping, upbeat number that channels the melodic sensibilities of Stiff Little Fingers, complete with jangly guitars that could have easily been lifted from Sex Pistols playbook. There are also nods to the band’s roots and influences that add another layer of depth to the song. It’s a track that feels like a rallying cry for the punk rock community, a reminder that even when the world tries to knock you down, you’re still standing, still fighting, still not dead.

And then there’s the bonus track, a demo version of “Burn” that features the incendiary guitar work of Gizz Butt, known for his work with English Dogs and The Prodigy. If the original version of “Burn” is a raging inferno, this demo is a smoldering ember that threatens to ignite at any moment. Gizz’s contribution adds a new dimension to the track, his scorching licks slicing through the mix with enormous precision. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the creative process, offering a raw, unpolished version of the song that stands on its own as a powerful piece of music.

What makes the Burn EP so compelling is how it captures the essence of punk rock while pushing its boundaries just enough to keep things interesting. There’s a sense of familiarity here, but it’s never derivative. Bullitz 23 takes the best elements of punk’s storied history—the raw aggression, the defiant attitude, the anthemic choruses—and fuses them with a modern sensibility that feels fresh and relevant. The production is crisp without losing the grit that gives these songs their edge, and the musicianship is top-notch across the board. The guitars shine with excellent riffs and chord progressions, the bass guitar roars beneath the surface with a heaviness that anchors everything in place, and the drumming is nothing short of spectacular, propelling each track to new heights with dynamic beats, breaks, and fills that keep you on your toes.

But perhaps the most striking aspect of this EP is the vocal delivery. Andi Chalmers’ voice is a force of nature, powerful and commanding, yet with a subtle melodic quality that adds an extra layer of depth to the songs. Whether he’s belting out a chorus or snarling through a verse, his voice cuts through the mix like a knife, guiding the listener through each track with a confidence that’s impossible to ignore. In a world where punk rock can sometimes feel like it’s lost its way, Burn is a potent reminder of what makes the genre so vital in the first place. It’s music that’s meant to be felt as much as heard, music that makes you want to move, to shout, to rebel. Bullitz 23 may be paying homage to their influences, but they’re also carving out their own path, one that’s as exciting as it is unpredictable. This is an EP that demands your attention from start to finish, and by the time it’s over, you’ll be left craving more. And in true punk fashion, that’s exactly how it should be.