Burlap to Cashmere ‘Self-Titled’

After a ten-year dry spell between records, Burlap to Cashmere releases their self-titled sophomore album this July. The Greek/folk-inspired band returns with their signature spicy rhythms and uplifting lyrics.

The eleven-track album starts off with two punchy songs, “Don’t Forget”, a perfect welcoming track, and “Nehemiah”, which is this record’s “Basic Instructions”. These two are the up tempo songs on the album, and probably my two favorites. “Tonight” and “Love Reclaims the Atmosphere” slow it down with a Simon and Garfunkel folk flavor. The relaxing “Closer to the Edge” displays a great harmony in the chorus, and honesty in the lyrics. “Orchestrated Love Song” offers a strong Greek flare and spicy guitar-playing. “Live in a Van” takes a more country feel with an encouraging theme of chasing dreams. The weakest songs, I feel, on the album are “Santorini” and “Hey Man”. I found nothing there to jump out and grab my attention. “Seasons” carries a fun banjo and catchy chorus, and “Other Country” brings that country edge, and would make a great summer single on the radio.

I loved Anybody Out There, Burlap’s first album. I didn’t know what to expect with this second one, and to be honest, I was a little disappointed. But I find the more I listen, some of the songs are growing on me. The album is a bit of a sleeper, in that there are not enough upbeat to songs to offset the number of slower ones. The first two get the listener excited, and then it seems to drop off. In the end, the highlights are “Don’t Forget”, “Nehemiah”, “Seasons” and “Closer to the Edge”. Other than those, you might find yourself hitting the next button a few times.

When all is said and done, I can see where this album was a labor of love for the band, who came back together shortly after their guitarist, John Philippidis, was viciously attacked in a road rage incident in 2005 and left for dead. Following his surgery, they began writing and putting this album together in an effort to push forward and encourage others through tough times. While I did not feel this record was as good as their first musically, I can certainly feel their passion in the lyrics, and applaud them for that.