Review / 200 Words Or Less
Braindead / Blackbirds
Split

Burn Bridges (2007) Michael

Braindead / Blackbirds – Split cover artwork
Braindead / Blackbirds – Split — Burn Bridges, 2007

The split effort from Burn Bridges teams up two underrated bands that definitely deserve more attention. Pennsylvania's Braindead and Michigan's Blackbirds each deliver original songs as well as covering classic The Stooges songs.

Braindead offers up three originals of melodic hardcore that draw influence from the likes of Turning Point and Kid Dynamite. In between the two "songs" is an interlude track that highlights the band's unique take on hardcore, further allowing them to standout. The band tackles The Stooges' classic "Search and Destroy" and does quite a good job with it - props to covering such a classic tune.

Blackbirds opts to lead off with their cover, they take on The Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog." It's hard to judge their take on it if you've yet to hear "their" sound. But overall it's pretty good, a bit heavier than The Stooges but shows the influence of the legends on their sound. Blackbirds' two originals bear likeness to the work of bands like Tragedy and From Ashes Rise. It's a stark contrast to that of Braindead, but I dig it.

7.0 / 10Michael • July 6, 2008

Braindead / Blackbirds – Split cover artwork
Braindead / Blackbirds – Split — Burn Bridges, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Pure Intention

Pure Intention
Independent (2026)

Pure Intentions is a hard hitting punk band first emerging in the Chicago scene in 2020. Since its formation by Joe Asshole and Tommy Volume, they have since added Judson Jones in 2024 to become its current standing trio. During that time, these guys have spread their gritty sound by touring the United States while gaining a strong following along … Read more

Exhumed

Red Asphalt
Relapse (2026)

There are few bands in extreme metal who understand their own lane as well as Exhumed. For nearly three decades, Matt Harvey and company have made gore feel theatrical, technicality feel fun, and deathgrind feel almost celebratory. Red Asphalt doesn’t rewrite that formula but weaponizes it, straps it into the driver’s seat, and floors the accelerator straight into oncoming traffic. … Read more

The Dumpies

Lub Dub
Dirt Cult (2026)

Ok full disclosure, I sung backups on (allegedly) three of these songs and one song is a cover (albeit a stretch lol) of a song I co-wrote. What can I say tho? I was a fan of The Dumpies from the get go, before we all became very close friends and constant tour mates! Dub music diehards might be a … Read more