The Sea At Midnight and Chemical Waves jointly released a single, on November 8th, 2024, called "Burning," a sonic flare launched into the sky to gain visibility for the dire problems of climate change. To soundly jolt listeners with uneasy truths, the track plays out like a burning world and loudly cries for attention and action. That is a very obvious signpost signaling ignorance is short-term, though inaction leads to considerably worse consequences.
From the very beginning, "Burning" is a call to arms. The heavy, driving drums evoke early post-punk beats from yesteryear, building an unstoppable pulse mirroring the ticking clock of environmental catastrophe. Enveloping synth textures are interwoven with these percussive elements, adding yet another dimension to this ethereal unease, like a sonic metaphor for this crisis's insidious and pervasive nature. This instrumental soundscape forms a canvas of tension perfectly primed for vocals.
The delivery is brutal and visceral, with frustration and grief attendant on witnessing the decline of the planet. His voice, righteous, navigates the dynamic range of the composition with impressive control. That allows listeners to connect with the song's message not just on an intellectual level but on a visceral one—firsthand urgency and despair.
The collaboration with Chemical Waves, under the direction of Marco Cattani, was fruitful. His music adds new layers and dimensions to the song. The dynamic interplay of driving rhythms, atmospheric synths, and soaring guitar lines paints a soundscape that engages the listener throughout. Helmed by Chris King of Cold Showers, the production is crisp and powerful and allows the emotion of this performance to come through without clouding it with a muddled sonic mess.
One of the most jarring things about "Burning" is its refusal to give in to despair. Though it acknowledges the seriousness of what's happening, the song is a call to action. It tackles many hard emotions but calls for action from its listeners. Such is what music does. It's not a reflection of the world outside; it's an inspiration for changing that world. "Burning" is the much-needed spark to fire under complacency and bring us back to the big realization that this fight is far from over. The Sea At Midnight has written a timely anthem that will connect with listeners. It is a reminder to all of us that we hold within ourselves the power to change the fate of our planet.
I must say that this song hits so hard. The emotion, powerful instrumentation, and urgent message all combine to make for a listen that is deeply moving. "Burning" cuts through the clutter and speaks directly to the heart, so make sure you stream it today.