Trent Burns - Outlines

Trent Burns

Outlines
self-released; 2016

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Sometimes you just have to work with what you have. In the case of Treat Burns and his release Outlines in which he didn’t have much access to recording equipment so he used his looper pedal. After recording the parts on the looper he would transfer them to his computer to mix and master. The results are nowhere near studio quality but serve as a solid foundation for Burns and showcase some of his talent. 

Outlines is a complete instrumental album that really revolves around the guitar. Burns also plays violin and viola but that doesn’t show up here. Hopefully, we can hear some of his chops on a future release where he combines all those strings.

​Outlines starts with an effective intro entitled “Violent & Often.” Burns utilizes a sample in various effects to produce an atmospheric soundscape. It leads into another atmospheric piece called “Ambedo.” The vibe is serene and relaxing with a low energy. A good jam to put on after the bars close and you want to take it down a notch.

Burns showcases more ingenuity with “Milo Must be Freezing” which sounds electric. A soft kick drum keeps a subtle beat while guitars flicker back and forth. “The Fireworks Display” felt like a transitional piece that lead to the more lively “EightSixFiveFour.” He closes with the most avant-garde piece entitled “That’s The Thing.” The guitars are bright borderline psychedelic while the bass simply provides the low-end.

​Burns shows some potential with this release but also clearly falls into a case of wait and see. He has some great ideas and if can get the production up a couple of notches and continues to define a style he should be in a good place.

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