burning rome is a timely and soulful success of an album from Dublin-based artist Danny Groenland. Soul legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder are amongst the album’s influences, infusing a smooth approachability within these serious topics and ensuing calls for united betterment. burning rome pairs powerfully melodic productions with lyrical calls-to-action, inspirational and poignant in their thematic emphasis. Modern music today seems lacking in quality protest music — especially in today’s turbulent political climate — so it’s refreshing to hear an outstanding example in the case of burning rome.
The album title refers to the phrase “Nero fiddled while Rome burned,” — referencing a state of inaction in times of emergency. “That’s where we are now. This is an emergency and we need to start treating it that way,” Groenland says, taking to music as an artful form of protest — all while championing optimism in the face of adversity. “The issues I focus on with this album – climate disaster, war, genocide, division, homelessness, inequality, mental health, police brutality, institutional racism – all stem from the same root cause,” he continues. “Our economic system is destroying our planet. We need a complete systems change, with everyone pulling in the same direction. And we need it now.”
“chip in” kickstarts the album with a powerful of message of unity, emphasizing how togetherness is essential to tackling issues — like the cutting down of forests and polluting of oceans for the sake of profit — that are eroding the world we all inhabit. “We can all work it out, if we just all chip we can get through, I know,” soulful vocal layers let out, bolstered by breezy flutes and expressive saxophones. The “you’re not on your own,” reassurances in the bridge build with enjoyable momentum, culminating with satiating impact into the title-touting hook.
The ensuing “runway” brings a focus back into a more individual realm — recounting how it can be difficult to balance paying bills with pursuing true artistic intents within a dreamy alt-pop aesthetic. “I just wanna make music,” Groenland sings, then giving way to the gripping vocals of Senita — infusing an R&B introspection within the magnetic production. “Trying to make it as an artist,” her vocals continue, complemented by lush backing vocal complements. A tender trickling of suave guitars conclude this standout with impactful charm.
A rightfully scathing critique of “trickle-down economics” and rampant greed in society, “mr loaded” pleads for those with power to gain some sense of decency. “Mr Loaded, haven’t you noticed? We’ve got nothing, why don’t you share a little with us?” a funky vocal swell pushes forward. Following the memorable “runway,” it makes one contemplate a greater society with more equality — and how that would result in communities that cherish art and connectivity more, providing more leeway to artists who cannot create due to economic struggles.
Simultaneously specific and universal in its calls for peace, “olive trees” infuses jazz, soul, and hip-hop with compelling immersion. Palestinian rapper Talha Wise Wolf features on the track, whose title refers to the olive tree’s symbol “of roots and identity for the Palestinian people,” a population remaining resilient while caught in war. Verses, in both English and Arabic, call for the need for human rights and justices — and how that need is “at its peak.” Recorded chants from Dublin protests add to the track’s evident thematic hold.
A harmonious, psych-friendly contemplation on these difficult times, “this world is changing” is another stirrer — urging love and the hope for a different consciousness, wherein service unto others and mutual respect takes priority over aforementioned greed and corruption. “Forward we go,” effervescent vocals glide into heartfelt strings. A fantastic production also shines on “i go through something too,” where a jazz-friendly arsenal of saxophone, trumpet, guitar, bass, and beyond traverses through a colorfully melodic array — complemented by acknowledgements of how everyone is capable of losing control, and succumbing to emotions, during tumult.
Tracks like “i go through something too” and even more visceral cuts like “olive trees” acknowledge personal hardships, though also with a sense of optimism — pushing forward the hope that people come together and strive for justice, unity, peace, and the abolishment of greed. burning rome is a thoroughly gripping success from Danny Groenland, succeeding conceptually as a meaningful protest album and also as a melodically captivating listening experience.
