Album Review: Esoterra

Burner Phone (AKA +64 Burner Phone) have arrived with their debut album, Esoterra, following the release of Cagliostro just a few weeks prior. While Cagliostro gave listeners a small taste of what Burner Phone had to offer, Esoterra takes that same sound and expands it across 11 tracks. The result is an album that feels like a proper introduction to the project, while still keeping the weird, atmospheric and laid-back energy that made their earlier release interesting.

Burner Phone is a collaborative electronica project masterminded and produced by New Zealand underground legend George D Henderson, from Auckland, New Zealand. Known for a light EDM style, Burner Phone has created one of the more interesting sounds I have come across recently. Their music doesn’t feel like it is trying too hard to fit into one particular genre, which gives the project plenty of room to experiment. They are also associated with vocalists such as Kate Reid, Emmie E, IdaSpida420 and multiple others, adding another layer to the project’s sound.

One of the biggest things that stands out about Esoterra is how easy it is to listen to. You don’t necessarily need to be a huge EDM fan to enjoy it. In fact, I think this could be a good starting point for people who don’t normally listen to electronic music but are interested in getting into it. The production is electronic without being overwhelming, and the tracks generally have enough going on to keep things interesting without becoming too aggressive or difficult to listen to.

The album has a strong atmospheric quality throughout the album. A lot of the tracks feel like they are designed to create a mood rather than simply being built around a big drop or an obvious hook. That gives Esoterra a slightly different feeling compared to a lot of modern EDM releases. It feels more relaxed and experimental, while still having enough electronic elements to keep it moving.

With 11 tracks, the album also gives Burner Phone plenty of space to show the different sides of the project. Some songs feel more energetic, while others lean further into the atmospheric and chilled-out side of electronica. That variation helps prevent the album from becoming repetitive.

One track that really stood out to me on Esoterra is Bounce To This featuring Phaedra Love. The atmosphere on this track sounds absolutely amazing, and it has a really smooth feeling that makes it easy to get lost in. There is something about the production that gives the track plenty of space, allowing the different elements to sit nicely together without feeling overcrowded. Phaedra Love’s vocals also fit really well with the overall mood, adding another layer to the track without taking away from its electronic sound. Bounce To This feels like one of those songs that works whether you’re actively listening to it or just have it playing in the background. It has a relaxed quality to it, but there is still enough movement in the production to keep you interested. For me, the atmosphere is easily one of the strongest parts of the track, and it shows just how well Burner Phone can create an electronic track that focuses on mood as much as the music itself.

Overall, Esoterra feels like a solid debut from Burner Phone. It takes the ideas introduced with Cagliostro and gives them much more room to breathe. Whether you’re already into electronic music or you’re someone looking for an easy way into the genre, there is plenty here to explore. Burner Phone have created something that feels distinctly underground, atmospheric and uniquely their own.