5 tracks.  That's all this EP holds, but it manages to expand Cursive's sound more than it's previous effort, Domestica, could because of the addition of cellist Gretta Cohn.  Beginning with an unorthodox, almost hip-hop, song "Sink to the Beat" wastes no time showing the progression Cursive has made, as lead singer Tim Kasher uses his witty and often repetitious songwriting adeptness to build a crescendo where the cello resounds and Kasher howls "Hit song / Let it burst and bloom."

As their follow up LP, The Ugly Organ, proved to be, Burst and Bloom is beautifully cohesive-embellished with a few ambient sounds, especially on "Tall Tales Tell Tales," where backup vocalist Ted Stevens' utilizes ambiance to bring his listeners into a carefully crafted shipwreck setting. This album is filled with both lyrical and musical gems; it has a raw and unique sound, and it marks Cursive's embarking on using an instrument that is prominent in every song, other than guitars and percussions.  It is highly recommended and a great start for anyone wanting to view Cursive's potential.