Picture Palace
Son Canciones, 2022
8/10
A poetic storyteller and multi-instrumentalist, David Burnett takes help from Gabriel Szternsztejn (electric guitar, acoustic guitar), Hector Oliveira (upright and electric bass), José San Martín (drums), Isabel Juárez (viola), and Irene Celestino (cello) for this truly unique singer-songwriter album.
The title track opens the listen with moody strings, warm guitar and Burnett’s easy going vocals in the folk-influenced climate, and “The Spirit Moves Me” follows with precise drumming and Mery Steel’s soulful backing vocals on the cautious and elegant album highlight.
Closer to the middle, “The Interim” shimmers with a cultured spirit that’s showcases Burnett’s range well, while “Thick As Thieves” fits quite well in today’s indie-rock scene with a hint of Americana amid the grit and melody.
“Dear Uri Gellar” arrives near the end and pairs meticulous acoustic guitar with agile singing, and “Requiem For Johnny Reed” exits the listen with stirring strings, light keys and strategic bass complementing the darker storytelling that’s quite gripping.
An artist who uses music as his canvas, amazingly, this is Burnett’s debut album, but he brings a wealth of talent and his worldly experience to very genuine and timeless songwriting that we’ll all want more of.
Travels well with: Wearyland- Letters; The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories