ESA interview + Album review for 'Burial 10'

I've been unsure of how to review this newest Electronic Substance Abuse album without simply gushing about it. Since it's release last week, I must have listened to it a good two dozen times, that's before I've sat down to write this and listen to it a dozen more for the review. I feel I've come to know Jamie Blacker fairly well as he's asked me to not just throw my usual praise at an album but to be truthful and critical of it; Something I've so far struggled to do conscience wise as I usually become good friends with the artists I write about. Yet his words on a facebook update on release date resonated deeply with me.. "Anyone who receives praise for their work and 100% believes the genuinity of that praise, probably should hang up the headphones."

So I will give this review my best attention yet because although I love this album, I wan't to get across a whole lot more than simple praise. Let's start this one a little different by playing the Bandcamp plug in below. Have a listen whilst you read the interview but then play each track as you read about them in the review; Especially track 5,'I Remember.'

Interview:

Q. From the moment I opened up the Burial 10 CD case with it’s symbolic artwork, to the opening lyrics..

“What do you see when you look at me?”

..Through to the lyrical themes of the tracks throughout, I realised very clearly that this is an album that is very personal and filled with an array of emotion from you. So I will lay this question out in three parts. What is the story of the ‘Burial 10’ album and how does it relate to..

1. The artwork of the album as well as the line ‘I believe that the truest parts of people can be buried and for so many different reasons.’ that is printed on the ‘Burial 10’ clothing merchandise? 2. The ‘Burial 10’ music video?

3. The lyrical content that seems to follow a concept?

A: Think I can answer this question in one response.

This is definitely a very personal album. As I’ve gone along releases, I’ve allowed myself to connect more personally with subject matter, rather than creating some sort of disconnected fantasy theme that feels right for the ‘music’.