Burning Codes is the long-running solo project by Belfast’s own Paul Archer and the new single Art serves up exactly what it says on the cover – a song about art, a song about the importance of art and a rallying cry about art’s vital role in transformation, culture and personal development.
Opening with a slashing guitar riff that sounds comfortingly like Hate To Say I Told You So by The Hives this is a rather interesting throwback, musically speaking. A bold blast of slashing guitar-driven pop and rock underpinned by a rock steady bass and drums rhythm section merge with more modern sensibilities on the shouted choruses. All music duties are shared between Archer (vocals/guitar) and Andy Hawkins (bass/piano/drums) with Hawkins looking after the production, engineering and mixing.
Archer’s distorted vocals are classic indie rock and the overall effect is of a pumping, vibrant and somewhat urgent message. There is a real sense of emotion here – Archer definitely comes across as a man who believes strongly in the message that he is putting out and frankly, it’s not an argument you could disagree with.
As for the accompanying video – a breath-taking three minute-plus tour of self-submitted art work from a vast range of disciplines compiled and edited by musician and artist Dan Donovan. It’s like a whistle-stop tour of the most eclectic gallery space ever created.
Art is a track that demands repeated spins and Archer’s lyrics sum the whole venture up brilliantly; art is initiative, art is imperative – give me more.
