Blueburst releases new single “Senseless”

Blueburst is the new moniker of veteran guitarist and vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, emerging from Atlanta with a captivating sound that draws from the full breadth of his sonic career. Miller, at the age of 50, is reviving a music career he had once given up on. After experiencing major label interest for his 90s band The Reach that ultimately fell through, Miller went into a two decade hiatus, battling untreated depression and writer’s block while drowning his sorrows in “a few too many gin & tonics.”

However, a chance connection with guitarist Marty Willson-Piper, of The Church and Noctorum, brought Miller the mentorship and collaborative partnership he had been longing for. With newfound inspiration, Miller dived headfirst into recording an album’s worth of original songs, enlisting the talents of musicians such as drummer Michael Jerome, who’s worked with the likes of Better than Ezra and Richard Thompson, and bassist Ryan Kelly of Dayroom. The result is Blueburst, a project that blends lush, guitar-based alternative rock with echoes of 80s and post punk, creating a sonic landscape that simultaneously resonates with the past and the present.

Now, Blueburst presents their latest release, the single “Senseless,” the fifth in a series leading up to the full album set to drop in September. The song gracefully opens with a waltzing beat, a delicate rhythm that adds a lasting fragility to its powerful sound. Miller’s affinity for songs with a waltz beat is clear, drawing inspiration from Radiohead’s “Nice Dream” while infusing his own delicate touch. Within “Senseless,” this balance is beautifully maintained, seamlessly merging contemplative melodies with Miller’s raw and heartfelt vocals.

Crafting a dreamy sound of softly twanging guitars, delicate piano notes, dynamic drums rhythms and airy backing vocals, the alluring lead voice hovers above the arrangement spinning stunning melodic lines. “Senseless” is a breathtaking display of songwriting prowess, brimming with inviting vocals and superb lead guitar work, resulting in an enveloping and enduring sound that builds excitement for the project’s upcoming debut full-length record.

Thematically, “Senseless” covers the complexities of the human condition, traversing emotions of regret, joy and sorrow through cathartic lyrics and poignant musical atmospheres. Miller’s meaningful songwriting invites listeners to peel back their own emotional layers and connect with the vulnerable mess that often lies beneath a hardened exterior. Accompanied by talented collaborators such as drummers Michael Jerome and Brian Platt, bassist Ryan Kelly and vocalist Riley Schatz, Blueburst’s sonic landscape expands, creating a dynamic and textured musical journey. The distinctive and creative guitar work of Marty Willson-Piper peppered throughout the composition adds colour and depth to the overall sound.

“Senseless” serves as a tantalising taste of what is to come from Blueburst’s forthcoming full-length album, titled Significance. The single showcases the band’s ability to craft bright and enchanting pop-infused rock music that transcends boundaries and resonates with a timeless appeal. With their stunning sound and compelling songwriting, Blueburst is poised to leave a lasting mark on the musical landscape. As anticipation builds for the debut album, Blueburst promises an invigorating and immersive sonic experience that will dazzle listeners and establish their rightful place in the realm of alternative rock.

Listen to Senseless below