Review | Dave Burn & Lee Small – DNA

Independent release

Two seasoned musicians from England have started a partnership that brings us the album ‘DNA’. For more info on the purchase of the album you should check out www.daveburn.net. Who are we dealing with here? The name of vocalist Lee Small should be familiar as he has performed with bands such as Shy, Lionheart, Phenomena, Atack, Signal Red and Falcon Trails. On top of that there have been guest performances (there is one coming up on the next Barnabas Sky album) and he has eight solo-albums on his name. Lee is also part of Sweet, as bass player and backing vocalist. Multi-instrumentalist Dave Burn is first and foremost a guitarist. He played in the cover band UUFO and recorded and toured with Ufo’s Paul Raymond (RIP) in the Paul Raymond Project. Dave also has a string of solo-albums to his name. On ‘DNA’ he has played all instruments.

BACK TO THE EIGHTIES

The ‘DNA’ of these two lads can be found in the 1980s. Dave turned to music after hearing Led Zeppelin. The fact that he played in the cover band UUFO and the Paul Raymond Project already makes clear where his loyalties lie. The whole ‘DNA’ album has this smell of UFO during the Michael Schenker era. It is very safe to say that Dave and Lee for their influences and style on this record have gone back to the eighties. Also, certain NWOBHM-influences are represented on the album.

Not that this record is just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as sound and production are very modern and crystal clear. Furthermore, the lay out and cover of the album (all designed by Tristan Greatrex) are worth a mention. The album even comes with a fold out sheet where all musical connections of this duo are beautifully displayed. This is about bands and musicians that are in the DNA of Lee and Dave.

RAZOR-SHARP

Listening to the 12 songs (over an hour of music) what sticks to mind is the razor-sharp guitar sound of Dave Burn. His riffing and solos make this a real heavy yet very melodic affair. There is a plenty of variety within the songs themselves, with tempo-changes and playful interludes galore. The vocals of Lee Small are just exquisite. Although the structures of the songs brings out the heavier side of Lee’s voice, this guy always knows how to give a melodic turn to the proceedings. Still, this is one of the heaviest albums that Lee has sung on for a while, showcasing his range and power.

DAVE BURN & LEE SMALL – THE CONCLUSION

I would like to place the remark that the quality of the compositions is extremely consistent. I have not heard one song that was disappointing. The guitar dominance of Burn is just spread all over the record although there is more than enough room for Lee Small to makes his presence aware. From starter ,,Call Of The Wild’’, to ,,World On Fire’’, ,,Fatal Attraction’’, ,,Live And Let Live’’ until closer ,,Back In Time’’ (and everything in between) ‘DNA’ is a solid as a rock.

In the first lines of this review, I mentioned the website of Dave Burn. It proclaims that due to the exorbitant shipping cost abroad it is only available in the UK but Dave also mentions that people from outside the UK will be able to order if they are willing to meet the shippings costs. Have a think about it, as ‘DNA’ is a very good melodic heavy rock record indeed.

Release date: 1 July 2025