Preaching love and unity is essential. Acting on those principles, however, is an entirely different beast altogether. Combining the two ideas forms the backbone of a community, state, nation, and world. Bringing the two together is precisely what the Colorado-based nine-piece, The Burroughs, did when they formed back in 2013. Now, they have now showcased that harmony with their latest Eric Krasno-produced digital 45, Love and Unity.
Comprised of lead vocalist Johnny Burroughs, guitarist Sean Hagenmeister, keyboardist/vocalist Kelsey Shiba, bassist Brian Claxton, drummer Mary Claxton, and a horn section of Alec Bell, Briana Harris, Jeremy Fallis, and Hayden Farr, The Burroughs marry their classic soul roots with a modern flair, creating a unique brand of “sweaty soul music.”
Today, Live For Live Music is proud to premiere the band’s two-song digital 45, Love and Unity, which was engineered by Colin Bricker at Mighty Fine Studios in Denver, CO.
“Love and Unity” is an audacious, over-the-top, party-inducing track that features group vocals and layered synthesizers. While the layered synths are a nod to bands like Parliament-Funkadelic and the Ohio Players, the driving beat and mix of sampled sounds alongside acoustic instruments emanate vibes of Anderson .Paak and Childish Gambino. The Johnny Burroughs-penned lyrics cleverly call his audience in, rather than calling them out, suggesting that arguments and differences dissipate under the positive influence of a shared musical experience.
“The goal of this band has always been to uplift and unite people on the dance floor,” says Burroughs. “I can’t explain it, but I’ve seen it at every show we’ve ever played, where people of literally every age, race, belief, and background are all moving together as one in love and unity.”
The heavier, harder-rocking B-side, “We Got To Stand”, presents raw and spacey vocals that sit atop a classically overdriven lead guitar. Dripping with organ and synthesizer, the layered keys give “We Got To Stand” a sense of psychedelia à la The Alabama Shakes and Jimi Hendrix.
In a statement to Live For Live Music, Burroughs explained the impression Krasno left on Love and Unity:
Kraz is a total musician’s musician, and he’s worked with some of our favorite artists in the business. Having never met in person until the morning of the recording session, we vibed instantly with Kraz in the studio. The vibe was wide open and exciting. We explored mixing modern production, like loops and effects, with classic instruments and live tracking. Kraz came armed with an arsenal of loops, and right away, his ideas were the right ones. We had an amazing time doing things like recording three layers of a Moog keyboard for “We Got To Stand” and searching old floppy discs for just the right 90s West Coast hip hop whistle tone for the bridge of “Love and Unity”… With Eric’s wealth of ideas and Colin’s expertise in the studio, no idea was off-limits.Â
Krasno echoed similar sentiments, noting, “I had a blast working with The Burroughs. They write great tunes and arrangements, but most of all, they have a magnetic personality and know how to put on a great show. Go see this band!”
Be the first to listen to The Burroughs’ Krasno-produced digital 45, Love and Unity, below.
The Burroughs – Love and Unity
The Burroughs currently have two shows scheduled. On Friday, March 6th, they will head to Cervantes’ Other Side with Naughty Professor and Sarah Mount & The Rushmores before a show at Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, CO, on April 4th. Head to their website for tickets and more tour information.