Year of the Dragon has unveiled their red-hot new EP, Dragon Burn. Led by Dirty Walt and Flyin’ Jay, formerly of legendary ska band Fishbone, Year of the Dragon brings a blistering sonic assault on the new collection, with chunky bass lines and metallic riffs underpinning the reggae-punk rhymes.
Flyin’ Jay shares: “I feel that the EP is a representation of the true power that Year of the Dragon brings. We have a dynamic sound we’ve built up for this latest release that I hope fans both old and new will love.”
Each track from Dragon Burn is a conduit from their onstage electricity to the new collection. Seismic guitars and potent percussion are set behind the inimitable one-two punch of Jay and Walt. Whether it be the melodic punk rock of “Go Go Go,” the nu-metal chops of “Run ’Em Out,” or 00s hard rock inspired “Sumpfanuffin,” Year of the Dragon has conjured a whip-sharp collection of in-your-face anthems.
“Sumpfanuffin“
This is a teaser into the sound that the band brings to you with the strong buzzsaw riff. Lyrically, this track is driven by Dirty Walt, who wonders “what you gonna do with the stress,” ultimately followed by a declaration of WAR against all of the things that most people feel are crushing them in society right now.
“Bombs Are Dropping“
This riff heavy track is one for you to bang your head to. While the bombs keep dropping, the rock keeps rocking, the drums keep pounding, the bass keeps bumping with the ultimate message that if someone calling themselves a leader, especially when using religion as a backdrop, fails to be upright and righteous for the people, you should abandon them and forge your own path.
“Dragon Burn“
The title track to the EP is a perfect representation of the band in its current iteration; a theme song if you will, and why we wanted the EP to be named after this song. It’s a simple declaration both musically and lyrically of what the band represents in terms of the dragon being a symbol of strength, power, justice, and retribution.
“Eviction“
A groove-laced track written for the purpose of moving the crowd, while lyrically representing where we, as human beings, are in this exact moment in time. Feeling the weight of the world on our backs as common men of the people, while at the same time feeling confident we can overcome any obstacles in our way and encouraging others to feel and react to that uplift too and to keep striving.
“Go Go Go“
This song is atypical from the intense sounds that the band is often known for. A very melodic tune that is meant for people to sing along to and feel on a different level. Lyrically it describes the hurt of putting someone else above yourself and losing parts of yourself because they don’t value you equally.
“Run ’Em Out“
Although the song musically is crafted around a heavy groove, lyrically it is challenging listeners to question authority and to examine INFORMATION over AFFIRMATION. To not fear the truth that there is a great divide between the haves and the have nots, and to be ready to make a stand for basic human rights, no matter what it might cost you.
