Insomnia

All that's old becomes new.

I tend not to sleep well. As a result, I will likely do the two worst things “they” tell you that you can do—snack or scroll. Sometimes, when I am feeling particularly rebellious, I snack AND scroll.

One night, I was scrolling - sans snacking - when I came across an Instagram ad for a band called Blueburst. I heard maybe fifteen seconds of a song and decided that was precisely the kind of band I’d like.

So, I bought the album without hearing more than a few seconds of a song in the middle of the night. Given the cost of things, this can be a risky endeavor, but something told me I was on solid ground with this band.

Blueburst did not disappoint.

Blueburst is a vibrant new collaboration between seasoned musicians Craig Douglas Miller and Marty Willson-Piper. Their album Significance combines their unique styles to create a sound that channels the spirit of classic jangle rock while offering a fresh, contemporary twist. Drawing inspiration from R.E.M., Matthew Sweet, Bob Mould, and other genre luminaries, the duo’s music captures a perfect balance of melody, energy, and introspective lyricism.

Craig Douglas Miller, known for his previous work with The Reach, brings heartfelt vocals and a knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs. His partnership with Marty Willson-Piper—guitar virtuoso and former member of iconic Australian band The Church—adds depth and texture to Blueburst’s sound. Willson-Piper’s signature guitar style, marked by shimmering arpeggios and lush tones, creates a sonic landscape that evokes nostalgia and innovation.

Blueburst’s music is a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of alternative rock. It’s characterized by jangly guitars, driving rhythms, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Songs like the dynamic "Vanish" and “Senseless” exemplify the band’s ability to channel their influences' raw emotion and melodic sensibilities while forging a distinct identity.

The band’s sound bridges that gap between past and present, delivering a rich, layered listening experience that resonates with longtime lovers of jangle rock and newcomers alike.

Blueburst is not just a band but a testament to the timeless allure of jangly guitars and poignant lyrics. It proves that this genre still has a powerful voice in modern music and that there is still an audience for this kind of thing.

Geoff and I were lucky enough to snag an interview with Craig Douglas Miller, and here’s our conversation with him:

Blueburst on Bandcamp