In a world where music can often be polished, refined, and meticulously produced, there’s something refreshing about the raw energy and untamed spirit of punk rock. Burlers, a 4-piece punk band hailing from the Netherlands, embodies this essence, taking their passionate sounds from Amsterdam to Horst and beyond. With members Joey Joosten on drums, Joost Kersten on bass, Randy Linskens as the vocalist, and Daan Paquay on guitar, Burlers is a force to be reckoned with in the punk music scene.

The Roots of Rebellion:

The tale of Burlers began about nine years ago when Randy and Daan crossed paths while studying Musicology in Amsterdam. The two shared a musical chemistry that sparked creativity immediately, leading them to join forces and start making music together. However, it was during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic that Burlers was truly formed. It was then that they encountered drummer Joey Joosten at the Sound of Revolution festival in either 2020 or 2021. After exchanging demos, they found the missing piece in bassist Joost Kersten, recommended by Joey, and the quartet was complete.

Crossing Boundaries:

While the creation of Burlers may have had a straightforward origin, the logistics of collaborating proved to be more challenging. Joey and Joost resided in Horst, located in Limburg, while Randy and Daan called Amsterdam their home. To bridge the geographical gap, the band settled on a middle ground and held rehearsals in Den Bosch. This dedication to their craft demonstrated the group’s commitment to making their dream a reality.

The Name that Roared:

Every band has its own unique story behind its name, and Burlers is no exception. The band struggled to find the perfect moniker until Randy’s girlfriend, Nieneke, came to the rescue. Inspired by videos of a “burling contest” in the east of the Netherlands, she suggested the name “Burlers.” In this unusual competition, participants imitate the sound a deer makes when it’s looking for a mate, known as a “Burl.” The name was a perfect fit for their wild and primal punk sound.

The Creative Process:

When it comes to songwriting, Burlers has a collaborative approach. Randy and Daan typically start by crafting the chords of the demos. The band then works together to transform these initial ideas into fully-fledged Burlers songs, incorporating the unique talents of each member. Their creative process involves spontaneous jam sessions and riff explorations, where they build upon each other’s ideas until they find the perfect balance of melody and mayhem.

Musical Milestones:

Burlers’ journey has seen its share of milestones and accomplishments. One of their recent achievements is a split single with fellow punk band Asbest Boys, which was released through Gips Records, Geertruida, and Darcy Trash. The bands clicked instantly and knew that they had to collaborate on a split single. In the summer of 2022, all songs were recorded in the unconventional setting of an old slaughterhouse-turned-underground venue called Slachthuis 13.

Looking Towards the Future:

With a relentless drive, Burlers shows no signs of slowing down. They have an unreleased song titled “Low Ambition,” recorded during the split single sessions, and plan to release it in the coming autumn. Additionally, the band has written around eight new songs and continues to work on more material. They aim to share some of these new tracks with their fans before the end of 2023.

Influences and Scenes:

Burlers draws inspiration from a range of punk bands, spanning from imploders to Stooges, Bootlicker, Ratcage, Prison Affair, Electric Chair, Chainwhip, Stiff Richards, and Poison Idea. Notably, Joost and Joey were part of other bands from Horst, such as Maniac Forces and Infernal Scheiße (with Joey also being part of Probation).

The music scene in Amsterdam and Haarlem has been experiencing growth in recent years, partly thanks to the efforts of the Haarlem crew from Slachthuis 13. This group has organized numerous punk nights, igniting the passion for punk music in a new generation of enthusiasts. Burlers is part of this thriving community, sharing admiration for other bands like Oust, Asbest Boys, Floyd Hemorrhoid and Achterlicht.

In Horst, the punk scene thrives through venues like Walhalla and OJC Niks, which have played vital roles in keeping the punk spirit alive. Bands like Burlers have found their place in this vibrant and supportive punk community, creating a synergy that fuels their music and amplifies their message.

As Burlers continue to make music and take the stage, they carry the torch of punk rock with unwavering passion and authenticity. From Amsterdam to Horst, they exemplify the spirit of rebellion, camaraderie, and DIY ethos that defines punk, leaving an indelible mark on the punk scene and inspiring generations of punk enthusiasts to come.

Follow Burlers on socials @burl3rs