Over the years, Say Anything has produced a variety of fantastically upbeat, catchy and witty songs; their new single, “Burn a Miracle,” does not disappoint. Upon first listen, a single phrase comes to mind: exceptionally catchy. Max Bemis certainly sounds different in this song. Instead of the crisp, smooth vocals listeners might expect, his voice grows hoarse, even approaching a scream, at many parts of the song. This stylistic choice matches the lyrics, which become more and more radical as “Burn a Miracle” progresses. By the end, Bemis’s screaming “burn a miracle” shifts to “burn America,” proclaiming his disillusionment with the country. Far from an  unevenly angry song, though, “Burn a Miracle” is a cry for change that is typical of Bemis’s songwriting.

While the song sounds unique from others by Say Anything, this should not surprise longtime fans. The band has historically been hard to place in a genre, ranging from punk to indie to emo to rock. “Burn a Miracle” finds itself landing in a new, angstier genre that Say Anything masters. Consistent with prior material, “Burn a Miracle” contains rebellious, clever lyrics and upbeat instrumentals. Say Anything has succeeded yet again in their latest single, which only excites for the full album.

★★★★★

*This review was composed by Brendan Smith