Mission of Burma: Sound Speed Light

by Bob Moses

Mission of Burma just blew through Brooklyn on a minitour that showcased songs from their upcoming release on Matador, The Sound The Speed The Light. The show was loose and relaxed (observe Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz introducing Burma with a recitation of song titles and lyric snippets, with the tape-loop treatment by Bob Weston – a work of genius courtesy of Markowitz’s speechwriter, Greg Miller; I asked Markowitz afterward how many Burma records he owned, to which he laughed and shrugged).

The show built anticipation for the October 6 release. A generous helping of 12 new songs, Roger and Peter both described The Sound The Speed The Light as having more variation in mood, and even a certain melodic airiness or spaciousness. One song in particular, “Forget Yourself” caught my attention with its bass pulse and consistent drive. Clint likened the effect to the hypnotic “Trem Two.” Not that the set lacked the expected propulsion, especially from Peter’s drumming or songs (we have a video snippet of one new Prescott song above). Matador has posted “1, 2, 3, Partyy!” (below) that confirms the presence of some real burners.

Hizzoner the Borough President introduces Burma

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Watch & Listen

A "Blunder" excerpt

This snippet of a new Peter Prescott song from Mission of Burma's July 12 set at Brooklyn's East River Park features Prescott's pounding drums and vocal stylings.

Mission of Burma Einstein's Day solo

Roger seemed in an expansive soloing mood as witness this interpretation of his always-expressive guitar solo in "Einstein's Day."

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Mission of Burma The Sound The Speed The Light