"Living on the Edge of Time" by Burning Red Sun

"Living On The Edge Of Time" is the debut album of Burning Red Sun, the pet project of Ken Lazorchak, a member of the popular North Jersey band Laughen Bones and protege of the legendary blues guitarist Roy Buchanan. "It's About Time" was produced by Grammy award winning producer John Rollo and presents a truly refreshing entry in the category of independent rock.

The music has a certain dreamlike quality superimposed over a solid, bluesy hard rock core with a few new wave elements thrown in to spice up the mix. Lazorchak (fondly known as "The Laser" by local rock fans) provides the backbone with his guitar stylings, which to me are reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix but with a clean, slightly restrained edge. The classic rock and blues influences are evident throughout but the title of this album sums up things well. "Living On The Edge Of Time" takes elements from different musical eras and combines them in a unique way to come up with something cutting edge.

As an independent music critic, I've been lamenting for a long time that too many albums in the current climate sound like one long indulgent jam session. It was invigorating to pick up an album that had some songs that made an impression the very first time I heard them. Standout songs include the opening track, "What She Said," a hard rocking lament to a lost love, and "Into The Light," which features an instantly catchy chorus. The album is also well paced, with a good mix of rockers and ballads.

Lazorchak excels in the lyrics department as well. There are some highly quotable one liners here and more importantly, like all good independent rock, the songs tell a story. Many of them have a wistful tone that I find highly appealing in juxtaposition with the electric sound of the music. However, Lazorchak is versatile and also exhibits a sense of humor. The first single from the album, "Hey Mr. DJ," is a highly amusing lament about how creatively stifling commercial radio has become today.

To sum things up, "Living On The Edge Of Time" both energized me and made me think, which is much more than I can say for most of the albums I've listened to this month. For more information on Burning Red Sun and "Living On The Edge Of Time," visit http://www.myspace.com/burningredsun .