Finding Gold in Mariposa County

Bootstrap Circus
“Painted Face”
(self-released)
2011

Adam Burns grew up in the rural Peak District National Park in England. He moved to the United States in 2004 and today makes his home, creates music, and teaches in the one-time gold rush town of Mariposa, California. Burns has created music in various incarnations over the years; first as a solo artist, as the Adam Burns Band, which became Bootstrap Circus, and most recently in the duo Little Tiger.

Burns' rock and new wave influences, combined with his energetic powerhouse of a band, have created an upbeat and highly contagious sound on Bootstrap Circus’ third release, “Painted Face.” Burns' lyrics come alive through each band member’s contributions to the arrangements, skillfully creating a unique sound that is engaging and often joyful.

The collective talents of Burns on guitar and vocals, Kristin Ramsey on violin, vocals, and keyboards, Greg Archer on bass, and Mark Albosta on drums are truly special. From the opening notes of the gypsy sway of “Dirty Water,” with its strains of surf guitar and soaring violin, there’s a sense of embarking on a journey. “Don't Rock the Heater” is a plea to a restless youth, prone to trouble, to not "rock the heater, Jimmy Jones." This is followed by the beautiful "Sunsets And Shooting Stars," a straightforward song of love and devotion.

"The Dark Waltz" is a slow, moody, and mysterious piece elevated by Ramseya's violin. "Drink" is a devil-may-care romp through a wild night of debauchery and treacherous encounters. Meanwhile, "Brenda, The Teenage Arsonist" reflects on the secret passions of an outsider."You're Not Alone" and "Don't Call Me Zero" confront fascism. This is balanced by the light-hearted revelry of "Down In the Alley," declaring "I've got everything I'll ever need." 

With haunting strains of the guitar work of Duane Eddy, "The Godless Girl" depicts a small-town girl's rude awakening in the big city, and the closing title track continues this theme with its refrain "Oh Mama, there's no shame in what I've done." While this is a comedown from where the album began, it doesn't badly mar the project; it simply demonstrates that even a gifted songwriter like Burns can sometimes paint himself into a corner. This is the point where I return to track one and restart this enjoyable, if bumpy ride.