Album Review :
Breakaway - Warrior

Breakaway is a one-man oi/punk band from south Texas. In fact, all guitars, bass, “beats” (does this mean a drum machine?) and vocals on Warrior are handled by David Burke. The EP is produced by Breakaway as well, which I assume means Burke again. While this is impressive in many ways, it can also be limiting. We’ll come back to that as a recurring theme on this EP.

The tempos, for the most part, are fast and furious, and yet there is a rock and roll undertone to the sounds. Burke’s vocal style is unique in a screamed/sung approach that I haven’t heard used much in this style of punk, which is pretty cool. Unfortunately, something about the style renders the lyrics incredibly hard to understand. I can’t help but wonder if having a skilled producer on hand could help make it sound a little crisper. Another thing that is lacking is much of a presence of the low end. There’s bass on the EP, but very little of it. There are moments when I really want it to kick in (especially on the opening track), but it never quite gets there. It does, however, show up in the final track, “Warrior.”

The first two songs “So Be It” and “Refuge” feature a similar style—very fast tempos with some melodic leads layered on top of the punk riffing. While the technique is effective, there isn’t enough variation in the leads, a problem we’ll have several times across the record. Again, this is where having input from others (band members, or a producer) would be really helpful.

Track three, “Iron Sharpens Iron” slows the tempo down, but only just slightly with a classic oi/street punk feel, and yet never lets off of the punk energy. The riffing on the bridge on this track is interesting and draws me in a little more as a listener. The lyrics of the song are based off of Proverbs 27:17, point to the need for other people in our journey of discipleship.

The struggles of everyday
I’m walking next to you
It’s our faith in Jesus Christ
That will always get us through
Trials and all the pain
Together, we will grow
Sharpen one another
Like a knife to a stone

Up next is “Never Forsaken,” but wait. Haven’t we heard this one before? Actually, we haven’t, but again the lack of distinction between songs and the similarities in the lead guitar are starting to become even more apparent. Don’t get me wrong, the riffing is cool. It just seems like we’ve heard this one before—which is a real shame, because the encouraging lyrics about the power of Christ’s unending love really packs a punch. I just fear it won’t be heard as much by listeners looking for more diversity in the sounds.

Warrior closes with the title track, and as we pointed out above, it’s one of the first times we can hear the punchy bass a little more clearly. The EP closes with a rallying cry to remain faithful to Christ even when others walk away.

So, here’s the thing: Burke is clearly a very talented guy. I even think I’d want to be friends with him in real life. There is no way I could do what he is attempting to do here. But it could be so much better if he enlisted some help on instruments and production. I just don’t think one person is capable of creating impactful, effective art in this genre by trying to take on too much.