Q&A: The Burma

Indie-rock band, The Burma, released their debut EP Sugar Moonlight. The band is composed of long-time friends Tony O’Donovan (vocals) and Peter Piggott (guitar) as well as Cian Doherty (drums). The collective references their sound to the early 2000s British guitar bands. Sugar Moonlight is packed with soaring synths, punchy rhythm, and dreamy guitar riffs. 

Throughout the project, a consistency arises of wistful vocals and smoldering indie-rock grooves, leading listeners down a path of 90s nostalgia. Repetitive and hypnotic rhythms create a balance with enough pauses to break any chance of the mind wondering. Paying respects to their own origins with more than their name, a familial aspect is brought about with shout outs. These elements manage to strike a warm tone, allowing the listeners to feel as if they too may have grown up alongside the band members. We had the opportunity to chat with The Burma regarding the release of their debut project. 

Photo: Ciara O Toole

Do you guys mind introducing yourselves? 

We are The Burma! We're an indie rock band from Cork and we've just released our new EP Sugar Moonlight.

You guys just released your debut EP Sugar Moonlight. Do you mind going into detail about the process behind it? (i.e the creative process, choosing the name of it, etc)

We recorded the EP with producer Christian Best in Cork. We recorded four songs for it initially and went back in at the end to re-work our 2018 single Quicksand for the EP. The name Sugar Moonlight comes from a lyric in the new bridge we added to Quicksand which is actually a section from one of the first songs we ever wrote. 

Photo: Ciara O Toole

What’s your favorite song off of Sugar Moonlight?

All different. Mine is Quicksand, Cian's is When You're Gone and Peter's is Same Again. 

What can fans look forward to from you guys within the upcoming months?

Obviously all our gigs are postponed until it's safe to get out there again so it will be online stuff for the foreseeable future. At the moment we're uploading a home recorded version of one of our songs every week on our socials. We're planning on recording our debut album at the end of the year. 

Who are you currently listening to? 

The Strokes new album a lot. I'm listening to Eagles when I'm cooking lately, good vibes.