Burden sees the Glasgow based four-piece make a welcome return after the release of their 2011 debut EP, Eulogy. While Eulogy highlighted the raw, visceral skills of a young talented band, on Burden we see a marked progression in their sound - a more mature sound mixing abrasive alternative rock with layered moments of technical excellence.

Opening track and forthcoming single, ‘From The Sick Bed’, kicks-off proceedings beautifully as So Many Animal Calls illustrate their ability to write solid, sing-along pop-rock songs encased within a song structure that edges towards prog territory. Emotionally charged lead vocals are intensified by relentless drumming and chiming guitars as the track undulates between the quiet/loud dynamic to great effect. Second track, ’My Blood’s Not Mine’, showcases everything that is good about So Many Animal Calls - technical guitar pieces, dreamy vocals and time changes galore display an impressive depth to a band who offer far more than the sum of their parts.

The Glaswegian foursome, consisting of Sean McKenna (vocals, guitar), Ross Stewart (guitar, vocals), Ross Coll (bass) and new member Sam Leighton (drums) with previous drummer Martin Johnston featuring on the EP, recorded Burden with producer Bruce Rintoul (Twin Atlantic, We Were Promised Jetpacks) and the EP was mastered by Carl Saff (Joanna Gruesome, Braid, Speedy Ortiz). Drawing on influences that range from The Cure to Motion City Soundtrack, the band have produced a record that would legitimately sit alongside contemporaries like The Get Up Kids, The Promise Ring and Death Cab For Cutie.

Their dynamic sound has also seen the band gain support from the likes of Artrocker, Drowned In Sound, Jim Gellatly, The Herald and Huw Stephens as well as picking up support slots with the likes of Little Comets and The Xcerts and sharing a stage at Rockness with Friendly Fires.