Editing What It Is to Burn

{{good article}}
{{use mdy dates| date=May 2020}}
{{use American English | date= May 2020}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = What It Is to Burn
| type       = [[Album]]
| artist     = [[Finch (American band)|Finch]]
| cover      = WhatItIsToBurn.jpg
| alt        = A close-up shot of an ice cube tray with beaker measurements running down the left side
| released   = March 12, 2002
| recorded   = June–September 2001
| studio     = Big Fish, [[Encinitas, California]]
| genre      = <!-- Sourced in prose -->{{flatlist|
* [[Emo]]
* [[pop-punk]]
* [[hardcore punk]]
* [[post-hardcore]]
}}<!-- Do not change genres without adding a reliable source -->
| length     = 61:13
| label      = {{flatlist|
* [[MCA Records|MCA]]
* [[Drive-Thru Records|Drive-Thru]]
}}
| producer   = {{flatlist|
*Chris Fuderich
*[[Mark Trombino]]
}}
| prev_title = Falling into Place
| prev_year  = 2001
| next_title = [[Say Hello to Sunshine]]
| next_year  = 2005
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        = What It Is to Burn
 | type        = Studio
 | single1     = [[What It Is to Burn (song)|What It Is to Burn]]
 | single1date = January 2003
 | single2     = [[Letters to You]]
 | single2date = April 22, 2003
 | single3     = New Beginnings"/"What It Is to Burn
 | single3date = August 25, 2003
}}
}}
'''''What It Is to Burn''''' is the debut studio album by American [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Finch (American band)|Finch]]. It was released on March 12, 2002, through [[MCA Records|MCA]] and [[Drive-Thru Records]]. After finalizing their line-up, Finch signed to Drive-Thru. Recording for the album took place between June and September 2001 with producer [[Mark Trombino]]. A [[music video]] for "[[Letters to You]]" was released in January 2003. The title-track "[[What It Is to Burn (song)|What It Is to Burn]]" was released as the [[lead single]] in January 2003, followed by the [[Single (music)|single]] "Letters to You" in April of that year. "New Beginnings"/"What It Is to Burn" was released as the third and final single on a [[A-side and B-side|double A-side]] in August 2003. "Letters to You" charted at number 39 on the [[UK Singles Chart]], while "What It Is to Burn" charted within the top 40 of the US [[Alternative Songs]] and [[Mainstream Rock]] charts.

Initial accompanying tours for promotion consisted of several stints in the United States and the United Kingdom with the likes of [[Moth (band)|Moth]], [[the Starting Line]] and [[New Found Glory]]. The band later appeared on the 2002 [[Warped Tour]] and at the [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]]. ''What It Is to Burn'' is primarily a [[Pop-punk|pop punk]] and [[emo]] release, that was also classed as [[hardcore punk]] and [[post-hardcore]]. The album received generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]].

On the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], ''What It Is to Burn'' charted at number 99, while it reached number 177 on the [[UK Albums Chart]]. As of October 2007, the album has sold over 400,000 copies worldwide. It has since been viewed as a landmark release for the emo and post-hardcore scenes. Finch embarked on a celebratory 10th anniversary tour in 2013 across the US, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

==Background and production==
Finch originally formed under the name Numb, with Nate Barcalow on vocals, Alex Linares on guitar, Derek Doherty on bass and Alex Pappas on drums.<ref name=AMbio>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/finch-mn0000185018/biography|title=Finch {{!}} Biography & History|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|author=Seida, Linda|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204906/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/finch-mn0000185018/biography|archive-date=March 22, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The members, who had met each other through mutual friends, had all been in a prior band, the HIVs, which had broken up after writing two songs.<ref name=MHinterview>{{cite web|url=http://musichead.org/interviews/finch/finch.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040402075055/http://musichead.org/interviews/finch/finch.htm|title=Head 2 Head with Finch|publisher=Music Head|date=April 16, 2002|archivedate=April 2, 2004|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref> Guitarist Randy Strohmeyer was invited to join Finch after they saw him play with his band Evita Fresh.<ref name=Finchbio01>{{cite web |url=http://www.finchmusic.com:80/bio.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010813062825/http://finchmusic.com/bio.html|title=Bio |publisher=Finch |archive-date=August 13, 2001|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Strohmeyer became friends with [[Drive-Thru Records]]' owner Richard Reines, following a [[Fan mail|fan letter]] he had sent in a few years earlier about the [[Rx Bandits]].<ref name=AMbio/> Strohmeyer had suggested that the label check out his former band, which they showed no interest in.<ref name=PIinterview03/> When he mentioned this to the other members of Finch, they were enthusiastic about potentially signing with the label. Richard offered the band a chance to perform for Drive-Thru Records and subsequently invited his sister, and co-label owner, Stefanie Reines to the performance. The pair were impressed by the performance and signed Finch afterwards, though they did not sign a contract for another 11 months.<ref name=Finchbio01/><ref name=PTinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.punktastic.com/interviews/finch/|title=Finch|publisher=Punktastic|author=Savage, Paul|date=January 5, 2002|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref>

Pre-production and demos were done at DML Studios in [[Escondido, California]],<ref name=WIITBbooklet/> in February and April 2001.<ref name=Finchhome01>{{cite web|url=http://www.finchmusic.com:80/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010516213754/http://www.finchmusic.com/|title=Finch - home|publisher=Finch|archive-date=May 16, 2001|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Finch began recording ''What It Is to Burn'' in June of that year at Big Fish Studios in Encinitas, California, with producer [[Mark Trombino]].<ref name=WIITBbooklet/><ref name=Finchhome01/> Strohmeyer was a fan of Trombino's production work, while Pappas enjoyed ''[[Bleed American]]'' (2001) by [[Jimmy Eat World]], which Trombino produced. The Reines' sent Finch's demos to Trombino, who was interested in producing them.<ref name=SMinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.skratchmagazine.com/interviews/INTfinch.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031222090313/http://www.skratchmagazine.com/interviews/INTfinch.php|title=Finch|publisher=Skratch Magazine|author=Chibba, Vanessa|archivedate=December 22, 2003|url-status=usurped|access-date=July 24, 2022}}</ref> The band started tracking guitars for the album in July 2001.<ref name=Finchjournal>{{cite web|url=http://www.finchmusic.com:80/journal.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010813065730/http://finchmusic.com/journal.html|title=Journal|publisher=Finch|archive-date=August 13, 2001|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Strohmeyer used [[Fender Musical Instruments Corporation|Fender]] guitars and [[Marshall Amplification|Marshall]] amplifiers, while Linares used [[ESP Guitars|ESP guitars]] and [[Mesa Boogie|Mesa]] amplifiers. Trombino with the guitar effects on ''What It is to Burn''.<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> Recording continued throughout 2001, going into August and September.<ref name=DISbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.drownedinsound.com:80/bands.php?id=4540|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030505224922/http://www.drownedinsound.com/bands.php?id=4540|title=Band profile: Finch|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|archive-date=May 5, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Daryl Palumbo]] of [[Glassjaw]] performs guest vocals on "Grey Matter" and "Project Mayhem".<ref name=WIITBbooklet/> Doherty, Linares and Strohmeyer first met Palumbo at a [[Deftones]] show, and later when they played with [[Earth Crisis]], and kept in contact with him.<ref name=SMinterview/><ref name=SIEinterview>{{cite web|url=http://soulineyes.com/main.php?page=finchinterview|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030901220048/http://soulineyes.com/main.php?page=finchinterview|title=Interview with Nate Barcalow of Finch|publisher=Soulineyes|author=Dill, Kevin|date=May 29, 2002|archivedate=September 1, 2003|access-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref> While they were recording for the album, the band asked Palumbo if he wanted to participate, prompting in him flying out to the band.<ref name=MHinterview/><ref name=Kludgeinterview/> Trombino completed programming before he [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixed]] the recordings at The Robot Factory in Los Angeles, California; [[Stephen Marcussen]] [[Mastering (audio)|mastered]] the tracks at Marcussen Mastering.<ref name=WIITBbooklet/>

==Composition and lyrics==
Musically, ''What It Is to Burn'' has been classed as [[emo]],<ref name= "Allmusic review" /><ref name=SLCLive>{{cite web|url=https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/live/Content?oid=2131131|title=Live|work=[[Salt Lake City Weekly]]|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191840/https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/live/Content?oid=2131131|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref><ref name=CAlandmark/> [[hardcore punk]],<ref name= "Allmusic review" /><ref name=CAname/> [[Pop-punk|pop punk]]<ref name= "Allmusic review" /><ref name=SLCLive/><ref name=CAname/><ref name= "Sputnik review" /> and [[post-hardcore]],<ref name= "Sputnik review" /><ref name=Kreview/> with sporadic touches of [[electronic music]].<ref name=Kludgereview/> The album received comparisons to the music of Glassjaw, [[New Found Glory]],<ref name=DISreview/> [[Linkin Park]], and [[Blink-182]].<ref name=Exclaimreview/> Barcalow switches between [[Crooner|crooning]] and [[Screaming (music)|screaming]] on ''What It Is to Burn'';<ref name=LATreview/> though he has a pop punk-inspired vocal delivery, his screams were compared to the likes of Palumbo and Deftones frontman [[Chino Moreno]].<ref name=Kludgereview>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekmag.com:80/reviews.php?id=136|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020615072305/http://www.ekmag.com/reviews.php?id=136|title=Finch - What it is to Burn - Review|work=Kludge|author=Olmeda, Greg|archive-date=June 15, 2002|access-date=April 20, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> The writing process revolved around Finch jamming. Linares said they could sometimes write a song in two hours, and at other times take a whole day.<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> Collectively, Strohmeyer said it took a year to write all the material on the album, which was done at either Strohmeyer or Pappas' home.<ref name=PIinterview03/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1473706/for-the-record-quick-news-on-avril-lavigne-coldplay-3-doors-down-christina-aguilera-weezer-hanson-more/|title=For The Record: Quick News On Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, 3 Doors Down, Christina Aguilera, Weezer, Hanson & More|publisher=[[MTV]]|date=July 9, 2003|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515121803/http://www.mtv.com/news/1473706/for-the-record-quick-news-on-avril-lavigne-coldplay-3-doors-down-christina-aguilera-weezer-hanson-more/|archive-date=May 15, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also said that if they did not go with Trombino, they would be "less electronics", adding that he was "such a genius when it comes to programming [...] he came up with some of the most amazing beats".<ref name=PIinterview03/> They had an acoustic song, "Once Upon My Night Stand", which was dropped as it did not fit the atmosphere of the album.<ref name=MHinterview/>

The opening track, "New Beginnings", begins with a distorted guitar fading in, before the song shifts to aggressive [[power chord]]s and [[octave]] parts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teenink.com/reviews/music_reviews/article/17174/Finch-ndash-ldquoWhat-It-Is-to-Burnrdquo/|title=Finch – 'What It Is to Burn'|work=[[Teen Ink]]|author=Close, Brian|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140212171456/http://www.teenink.com/reviews/music_reviews/article/17174/Finch-ndash-ldquoWhat-It-Is-to-Burnrdquo/|archive-date=February 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The song sets the tone for ''What It Is to Burn'' with its memorable melodies and tuneful [[Refrain|choruses]].<ref name=FLreview/> Barcalow said "Letters to You" was about the "emotion of being away from somebody and missing them and trying to keep them happy through communication because you can’t physically see them".<ref name=MHinterview/> His vocals on the song border on near-[[screamo]] in places.<ref name=FLreview/> Despite the track having three-part harmonies, it was written when the only members in the band who could sing were Barcalow and Strohmeyer.<ref name=AltPfive>{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/list_finchs_randy_strohmeyer_on_five_tough_parts_to_re_learn_for_the_what_i/|title=List: Finch's Randy Strohmeyer on five tough parts to re-learn for the 'What It Is To Burn' X tour|work=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|date=March 1, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> Palumbo's singing voice on "Grey Matter" recalled [[Bad Brains]] frontman [[H.R. (musician)|H.R.]]<ref name= "Allmusic review" /> "Awake" was one of Finch's oldest songs, which Barcalow said is about a couple resolving an argument.<ref name=Kludgeinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekmag.com:80/interviews.php?id=79|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020810174840/http://www.ekmag.com/interviews.php?id=79|title=Finch - Interview|work=[[Kludge (magazine)|Kludge]]|author=Rahman, Zarek|date=June 27, 2002|archive-date=August 10, 2002|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Project Mayhem" initially existed as a two-minute track, before Trombino altered it into the final version,<ref name=AltPfive/> and incorporated programming.<ref name= "Allmusic review" /> "Ender" begins with a subdued intro that steadily coalesces by the third minute, when it progresses with a constant piano part, and ends with an ambient instrumental section.<ref name= "Sputnik review" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/long-classic-scene-songs|title=Long scene songs {{!}} Nostalgic 2000s music|work=Alternative Press|author=Mortensa, Mala|date=December 7, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020}}</ref> "[[What It Is to Burn (song)|What It Is to Burn]]" is written from the perspective of a man in hell sending a letter to his partner.<ref name=LWburn>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/finch-what-it-is-to-burn-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs/|title=No. 47: Finch, 'What It Is To Burn' – Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs|work=[[Loudwire]]|author=Hartmann, Graham|date=June 28, 2012|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202102858/https://loudwire.com/finch-what-it-is-to-burn-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs/|archive-date=December 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Barcalow said it dealt with loneliness and being able to relate with someone that is also experiencing that same emotion.<ref name=MHinterview/>

==Release and promotion==
Finch's debut EP ''Falling into Place'' was released in October 2001, featuring early versions of "Letters to You" and "Perfection Through Silence".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/falling-into-place-mr0000308893|title=Falling Into Place - Finch {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> A [[music video]] for "Letters to You" was released in January 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finchmusic.com:80/frames.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102025038/http://www.finchmusic.com/frames.html|title=Updates|publisher=Finch|archive-date=November 2, 2001|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Doherty said the video was "[a]trocious," while Linares called it "[b]asically a piece of shit."<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> On January 13, 2002, "Untitled" was posted online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2571/new-finch-song-from-forthcoming-album|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513201733/https://www.punknews.org/article/2571/new-finch-song-from-forthcoming-album|title=New Finch song from forthcoming album|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=January 13, 2002|archive-date=May 13, 2020|access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> ''What It Is to Burn'' was released on March 12, 2002,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/what-it-is-to-burn-mr0000297436|title=What It Is to Burn- Finch {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517231704/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/what-it-is-to-burn-mr0000297436|archive-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> as a joint release between [[MCA Records|MCA]] and Drive-Thru Records.<ref name=WIITBbooklet/> The artwork features an ice bucket and measurements, and a beaker with boiling liquid; Doherty said the band "just wanted some cool imagery."<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> The art direction and design were done by [[P.R. Brown]], who also did the photography with [[Kris McCaddon]].<ref name=WIITBbooklet/> Initial pressings of the album contained a demo version of "What It Is to Burn", produced by Chris Fuderich. The demo was replaced on the later pressings with a re-recorded version, produced by Trombino.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=66|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211082109/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=66|title=What It Is to Burn!|publisher=Finch|date=October 30, 2002|archive-date=February 11, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The United Kingdom edition, released on June 2, 2002,<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> included an [[Acoustic music|acoustic]] version of "Letters to You" and the "What It Is to Burn" demo as bonus tracks.<ref name=AMUKbonus>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/what-it-is-to-burn-uk-bonus-tracks-mr0000426772|title=What It Is to Burn [UK Bonus Tracks] - Finch {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191840/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/what-it-is-to-burn-uk-bonus-tracks-mr0000426772|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref>

Finch filmed a new music video for "Letters to You" in mid-April 2002,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021205051354/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=16|title=New Video!|publisher=Finch|date=April 9, 2002|archive-date=December 5, 2002|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> in a hostel basement in Hollywood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030215172809/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=17|title=Off the Wall Video Shoot!|publisher=Finch|date=April 15, 2002|archive-date=February 15, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was directed by Richard Reines and Brad Scott.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.vevo.com/watch/finch/letters-to-you/USMCV0200211|title=Letters To You - Finch|publisher=[[Vevo]]|author=Finch|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318054721/http://www.vevo.com/watch/finch/Letters-To-You/USMCV0200211|archive-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> The video premiered on Refused TV on May 24, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030215073613/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=28|title=Video Premiere Friday!|publisher=Finch|date=May 22, 2002|archive-date=February 15, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Around the end of 2002, the band signed to MCA Records.<ref name=CAname/> MCA had a [[distribution deal]] that allowed them to acquire Drive-Thru Records' bands over time.<ref>''Billboard'' 1999, p. 74</ref> It was aided by the assistance of [[Mark Hoppus]] and [[Tom DeLonge]] of Blink-182, who had signed Finch to their management company, as they contacted the label about signing them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2007/jan/04/unscrewed/|title=Unscrewed|work=[[San Diego Reader]]|date=January 4, 2007|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422100113/https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2007/jan/04/unscrewed/|archive-date=April 22, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2003, "What It Is to Burn" was released to radio stations across the United States as the [[lead single]] from ''What Is It to Burn''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=75|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030208143236/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=75|title=What It Is to Burn!|publisher=Finch|date=January 21, 2003|archive-date=February 8, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Strohmeyer said that up to that point, "Letters to You" served as an "unofficial single" as radio stations were picking up the song and adding it to their rotation, which was "really cool because we didn't have to spend a dime" to promote it.<ref name=PIinterview03/> A music video was filmed for "What It Is to Burn" with director by director Alexander Kosta.<ref name=CAname>{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com:80/DAMN/2004/08/1121.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051208015333/http://www.chartattack.com/DAMN/2004/08/1121.cfm|title=Finch: Emotion Is Their Middle Name|work=Chart Attack|date=August 11, 2004|archive-date=December 8, 2005|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.vevo.com/watch/finch/what-it-is-to-burn/USMCV0300005|title=What It Is to Burn - Finch|publisher=Vevo|author=Finch|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318225013/http://www.vevo.com/watch/finch/What-It-Is-To-Burn/USMCV0300005|archive-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> The video was posted online on February 12, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=79|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030215230910/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=79|title=What It Is to Burn!|publisher=Finch|date=February 12, 2003|archive-date=February 15, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March of that year, Punknews.org held a contest where fans could win a copy of the album on [[Phonograph record|vinyl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5641/contests-finch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191955/https://www.punknews.org/article/5641/contests-finch|title=Contests: Finch|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 24, 2003|archive-date=May 17, 2018|access-date=May 16, 2018}}</ref> On April 22, 2003, "Letters to You" was released on [[Compact disc|CD]] as ''What Is It to Burn''{{'}}s second [[Single (music)|single]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/letters-to-you-uk-cd-1-mr0001473279|title=Letters to You [UK CD #1] - Finch {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516104053/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/letters-to-you-uk-cd-1-mr0001473279|archive-date=May 16, 2018}}</ref> Two versions of the CD single were released: the first with "Worms of the Earth" and "New Kid" as extra tracks,<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title="Letters to You"|others=Finch|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=MCA/Drive-Thru Records|id=MCSTD40310/113 935-2}}</ref> and the second with live versions of "Perfection Through Silence" and "Letters to You" as bonus tracks.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title="Letters to You"|others=Finch|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=MCA Records|id=MCSXD40310}}</ref> Following this, "New Beginnings" and "What It Is to Burn" were released on a [[A-side and B-side|double A-sided]] as the album's third and final single on August 25, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/5626/reviews/7759-|title=Single Review: Finch - New Beginnings / What It Is To Burn / Releases|work=Drowned in Sound|author=Diver, Mike|date=August 13, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191841/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/5626/reviews/7759-|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref>

==Tours==
A proposed September 2001 tour with [[the Starting Line]] and [[the Movielife]] was cancelled following the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://musichead.org/interviews/tsl/tsl.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616185111/http://www.musichead.org/interviews/tsl/tsl.htm|title=Head 2 Head with The Starting Line|publisher=Music Head|date=October 10, 2001|archivedate=June 16, 2004|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref> Following the release of ''What It Is to Burn'', Finch went on tour with [[Moth (band)|Moth]].<ref name=DISbio/> In April and May 2002, the band toured with [[Brand New (band)|Brand New]] and the Starting Line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/3229/iodine-fest-rock-out-with-your-socks-out|title=Iodine Fest: rock out with your socks out|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 9, 2002|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191840/https://www.punknews.org/article/3229/iodine-fest-rock-out-with-your-socks-out|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref> Following on from this, the group went on a UK tour with New Found Glory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020719123253/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=10|title=Tour Dates Cancelled|publisher=Finch|date=March 20, 2002|archive-date=July 19, 2002|access-date=May 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Between late June and mid-August, Finch performed on the 2002 [[Warped Tour]] as part of the Drive-Thru Records stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1452030/warped-tour-02-to-feature-bad-religion-nofx-new-found-glory-more/|title=Warped Tour '02 To Feature Bad Religion, NOFX, New Found Glory, More|publisher=MTV|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=January 30, 2002|access-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415015830/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452030/warped-tour-02-to-feature-bad-religion-nofx-new-found-glory-more|archive-date=April 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kludgemagazine.com/news_archive.php?year=2002&month=01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305070726/http://kludgemagazine.com/news_archive.php?year=2002&month=01|title=Drive Thru Records Takes Over The Warped Tour|work=Kludge|date=January 10, 2002|archive-date=March 5, 2008|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In late August 2002, the band performed at the [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=42|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204183720/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=42|title=Finch in the UK!|publisher=Finch|date=July 7, 2002|archive-date=December 4, 2002|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following month, Finch performed a few shows in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=49|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204184114/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=49|title=Fall Tour Dates!|publisher=Finch|date=July 30, 2002|archive-date=December 4, 2002|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October and November 2002, the band embarked on a tour across the US with New Found Glory, [[Something Corporate]] and [[Further Seems Forever]], and appeared at the [[Smoke Out Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4059/tours-new-found-glory-something-corporate-finch-further-seems-forever-tour|title=New Found Glory/Something Corporate/Finch/Further Seems Forever tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=August 13, 2002|access-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212000813/https://www.punknews.org/article/4059/tours-new-found-glory-something-corporate-finch-further-seems-forever-tour|archive-date=February 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4576/tours-bands-you-like-playing-cypress-hills-smokefest|title=Bands You Like Playing Cypress Hill's Smokefest|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=October 31, 2002|access-date=March 1, 2021}}</ref> In the last two months of the year, Finch went on a UK tour with [[From Autumn to Ashes]] as well as [[Coheed and Cambria]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalhammer.co.uk:80/article.asp?ID=6520&type=NWS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030228182033/http://metalhammer.co.uk/article.asp?ID=6520&type=NWS|title=Finch Dates|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=October 2, 2002|archive-date=February 28, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=65|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204134623/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=65|title=UK Openers!|publisher=Finch|date=October 30, 2002|archive-date=December 4, 2002|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The band toured with From Autumn to Ashes across the US in January and February 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=68|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204110939/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=68|title=Headlining Tour!|publisher=Finch|date=November 21, 2002|archive-date=December 4, 2002|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Allister]] were initially planned to be the support act, before they were replaced by [[Steel Train]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=71|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030208133459/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=71|title=Allister's Replacement!|publisher=Finch|date=December 23, 2002|archive-date=February 8, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February, the band went on a co-headlining US tour with [[the Used]], with support from [[Steel Train]] and From Autumn to Ashes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com:80/damn/2003/02/1404.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030305232444/http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2003/02/1404.cfm|title=Finch: Don't Use The 'E' Word|work=Chart Attack|author=Lee, Andy|date=February 14, 2003|archive-date=March 5, 2003|access-date=May 18, 2018|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name=PIinterview03>{{cite web|url=http://punk-it.net/Interviews/finch.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030311195246/http://punk-it.net/Interviews/finch.html|title=Finch|publisher=Punk-It|date=February 8, 2003|archivedate=March 11, 2003|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref> Following on from this, Finch continued touring with the Movielife, [[Senses Fail]] and [[A Static Lullaby]] until early March 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=76|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030208122618/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=76|title=4th Band!|publisher=Finch|date=January 22, 2003|archive-date=February 8, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/finch_news_article.php?id=72|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030208133311/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=72|title=Tour News!|publisher=Finch|date=January 3, 2003|archive-date=February 8, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same month, the band went on a tour of the UK with Brand New.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5429/brand-new-tour-change|title=Brand New tour change|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 28, 2003|access-date=April 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424134434/https://www.punknews.org/article/5429/brand-new-tour-change|archive-date=April 24, 2018}}</ref> In April 2003, they performed at Skate and Surf Fest, and appeared on ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5727/tours-finalized-skate-and-surf-fest-lineup-announced|title=Finalized Skate and Surf Fest lineup announced|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 3, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191841/https://www.punknews.org/article/5727/tours-finalized-skate-and-surf-fest-lineup-announced|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5698/bands-on-tv-week-of-3-31-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 3/31/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 31, 2003|access-date=March 5, 2021}}</ref> In early May 2003, Finch performed at two shows as part of [[MTV]]'s Campus Invasion tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471155/fabolous-talib-kweli-the-used-coming-to-a-campus-near-you/|title=Fabolous, Talib Kweli, The Used Coming To A Campus Near You|publisher=MTV|author=Moss, Corey|date=April 9, 2003|access-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108034613/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471155/fabolous-talib-kweli-the-used-coming-to-a-campus-near-you/|archive-date=November 8, 2017}}</ref> The following month, the band appeared on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6204/bands-on-tv-week-of-6-2-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 6/2/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=June 2, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191840/https://www.punknews.org/article/6204/bands-on-tv-week-of-6-2-03|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref> and performed at the [[KROQ Weenie Roast]] festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1472183/evanescence-staind-deftones-stripes-headlining-weenie-roast/|title=Evanescence, Staind, Deftones, Stripes Headlining Weenie Roast|publisher=MTV|author=Kaufman, Gil|date=May 30, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515123101/http://www.mtv.com/news/1472183/evanescence-staind-deftones-stripes-headlining-weenie-roast/|archive-date=May 15, 2018}}</ref> In early July 2003, Finch appeared on ''[[Last Call with Carson Daly]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6486/bands-on-tv-week-of-july-7th-2003|title=Bands on TV - Week of July 7th, 2003|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=July 7, 2003|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182100/https://www.punknews.org/article/6486/bands-on-tv-week-of-july-7th-2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref> The following month, they performed at Furnace Fest,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1475187/for-the-record-quick-news-on-sean-paul-metallica-mary-j-blige-bjork-deftones-travis-barker-more/|title=For The Record: Quick News On Sean Paul, Metallica, Mary J. Blige, Bjork, Deftones, Travis Barker & More|publisher=MTV|date=July 31, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515103014/http://www.mtv.com/news/1475187/for-the-record-quick-news-on-sean-paul-metallica-mary-j-blige-bjork-deftones-travis-barker-more/|archive-date=May 15, 2018}}</ref> before playing on the main stage at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finchmusic.com:80/news/default.asp?assetid=254615&count=5&artistid=382&title=Finch+At+Reading+And+Leeds!!!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030716193050/http://finchmusic.com/news/default.asp?assetid=254615&count=5&artistid=382&title=Finch+At+Reading+And+Leeds!!!|title=Finch At Reading And Leeds!!|publisher=Finch|date=July 1, 2003|archive-date=July 16, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name= "Allmusic review">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-it-is-to-burn-mw0000700799|title=What It Is to Burn - Finch {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=Taylor, Jason D.|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423181328/https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-it-is-to-burn-mw0000700799|archive-date=April 23, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Drowned in Sound]]''
| rev2Score = 4/5<ref name=DISreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.drownedinsound.com:80/article.php?id=4961|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030320143035/http://www.drownedinsound.com/article.php?id=4961|title=Review: What It Is To Burn - Finch|work=Drowned in Sound|author=White, Peter|date=2002|archive-date=March 20, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[In Music We Trust]]''
| rev3score = B<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steininger |first=Alex |date=May 2002 |title=Finch: What It Is To Burn |url=https://inmusicwetrust.com/articles/48p03.html |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=[[In Music We Trust]]}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Melodic (magazine)|Melodic]]''
| rev4Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=Melodicreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=519|title=Finch - What It Is to Burn|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=May 6, 2002|access-date=July 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023033146/http://melodic.net/?page=review&id=519|archive-date=October 23, 2013}}</ref>
| rev5 = [[Ultimate Guitar]]
| rev5Score = 10/10<ref name=UGAreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/finch/what_it_is_to_burn/3364/|title=What It Is To Burn review by Finch|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|date=July 25, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082334/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/finch/what_it_is_to_burn/3364/|archive-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
''What It Is to Burn'' was met with generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. [[AllMusic]] reviewer Jason D. Taylor opened his piece by calling the album "phenomenal," noting that Finch rode the "thin line" between hardcore punk and pop punk, preserving a "trademark sound that stands out from the crowd."<ref name= "Allmusic review"/> He also wrote that the album "exemplifies everything that is right in the punk scene", citing its emotional vulnerability, the "agonizing fury of hardcore" and the positive "tones of pop-punk."<ref name= "Allmusic review"/> Amy Sciarretto of ''[[CMJ|CMJ New Music Report]]'' was impressed with the band's ability to not be pigeon-holed into one specific sound, observing that the album showcases their "delicious blend of infection and perky rock," incorporating Glassjaw, [[Thursday (band)|Thursday]] and [[Jimmy Eat World]] "into a potent [[Molotov cocktail]]."<ref name=CMJreview>Sciarretto 2003, p. 13</ref>

''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' writer Peter White referred to ''What It Is to Burn'' as an "absolutely gut smokingly fantastic record."<ref name=DISreview/> ''[[Junkee Media|FasterLouder]]''{{'s}} Roby Anson described it as an "album of sadness, gladness, big chunky guitar riffs, smart [[chord progression]]s and a rhythm section that chugs along nicely in each song."<ref name=FLreview>{{cite web|url=http://fasterlouder.junkee.com/finch-what-it-is-to-burn/770443|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517192052/http://fasterlouder.junkee.com/finch-what-it-is-to-burn/770443|title=Finch – What it is to Burn|work=[[Junkee Media|FasterLouder]]|author=Anson, Robyn|date=February 9, 2004|archive-date=May 17, 2018|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''LAS Magazine'' writer Andy Vaughn noted the Glassjaw influence added "a great deal of intensity" to the album, which he felt "would be missing otherwise."<ref name=LASreview/> He commended Finch for making an "extremely strong debut."<ref name=LASreview>{{cite web|url=http://lostatsea.net/review.phtml?id=139534923541851d0fa55f3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213000950/http://lostatsea.net/review.phtml?id=139534923541851d0fa55f3|title=Finch What It Is To Burn|work=LAS Magazine|author=Vaughn, Andy|date=October 1, 2004|archive-date=February 13, 2017|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Melodic (magazine)|Melodic]]'' webmaster Johan Wippsson said the album has "the perfect mix of good melodies with the extra edge," and complimented Trominbo's "great" production style.<ref name=Melodicreview/> He lauded the "very consistent" nature of the tracks, "which are on a very high level all the time."<ref name=Melodicreview/> The team from [[Ultimate Guitar]] hailed the album, saying it "kicks so much ass" and lacks any skippable tracks.<ref name=UGAreview/>

[[Sputnikmusic]] emeritus Ryan Flatley praised "Grey Matter" and "Project Mayhem" for their energy, but said that the album turned out to be a bit of a disappointment due to the large amount of hype surrounding its release.<ref name= "Sputnik review">{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/12579/Finch-What-It-is-to-Burn/|title=Finch - What It Is to Burn (album review 2)|publisher=Sputnikmusic|author=Flatley, Ryan|date=June 27, 2007|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Exclaim!]]''{{'s}} Amber Authier commented that Finch "doesn't do a bad job" of merging [[punk rock]] and [[Heavy metal music|metal]] together. However, she felt that the lyrical content on ''What It Is to Burn'' came across as a "little too deep, separating the two styles instead of blending them into something a little different."<ref name=Exclaimreview>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/finch-what_it_is_to_burn|title=Finch What It Is to Burn|work=[[Exclaim!]]|author=Authier, Amber|date=February 1, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517132907/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/finch-what_it_is_to_burn|archive-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref> Lina Lecaro of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' said the band bounced "between soothing croons and throat-burning wails, metallic riffs and bubbly beats," a fusion that "kept things interesting&nbsp;... even if the shifts weren't always seamless."<ref name=LATreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-04-et-lecaro4-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517192130/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/mar/04/entertainment/et-lecaro4|title=Finch's primal 'screamo' is heavy on the melodrama|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|author=Lecaro, Lina|date=March 4, 2003|archive-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref> While Barcalow "proved himself to be a versatile vocalist on tunes&nbsp;... his range didn't quite make up for his lack of charisma," Lecaro added.<ref name=LATreview/> ''[[Kerrang!]]'' reviewer Paul Travers criticized the titles of the songs on the album, saying that Finch were "in need of a good slap&nbsp;... you can almost taste the salty tang of tears spilling out of the speakers."<ref name=Kreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com:80/newreleases/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020607145935/http://www.kerrang.com/newreleases/|title=New Releases & Reviews|work=[[Kerrang!]]|author=Travers, Paul|date=April 2002|archive-date=June 7, 2002|access-date=July 26, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Commercial performance and legacy==
''What It Is to Burn'' charted at number 99 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart.<ref name=Bill200/> By April 2003, the album had sold over 200,000 copies in the US.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71412/breaking-entering|title=Breaking & Entering|magazine=Billboard|date=April 23, 2003|access-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212091340/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71412/breaking-entering|archive-date=February 12, 2017}}</ref> It charted at number 177 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], while "Letters to You" reached number 39 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name=UK/> "What It Is to Burn" peaked at number 15 on the US [[Alternative Songs]] chart and number 35 on the [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Mainstream Rock]] chart.<ref name=BillAltSongs>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/finch/chart-history/mrt/|title=Finch Chart History (Alternative Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526095011/https://www.billboard.com/music/Finch/chart-history/alternative-songs|archive-date=May 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/finch/chart-history/rtt/|title=Finch Chart History (Mainstream Rock)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523071757/https://www.billboard.com/music/Finch/chart-history/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> By October 2007, ''What It Is to Burn'' had sold over 400,000 copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_2893|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517192242/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_2893|title=AP Exclusive: Finch to reunite this Thanksgiving|work=Alternative Press|date=October 24, 2007|archive-date=May 17, 2018|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref>

''[[Metal Hammer]]'' ranked the album at number 17 on their best albums of 2002 list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/metal.htm|title=Metal Hammer|publisher=Rocklist.net|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706192100/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/metal.htm|archive-date=July 6, 2016}}</ref> ''[[Loudwire]]'' included "What It Is to Burn" at number 47 on their list of the best hard rock songs of the 21st century.<ref name=LWburn/> In 2019, ''[[Rock Sound]]'' ranked the album at number 107 on their list of the 250 greatest albums released since the publication's debut in 1999.<ref name="rocksound250">{{Cite magazine |first1=Andy |last1=Biddulph |first2=Ryan |last2=Bird |first3=Candice |last3=Haridimou |first4=Maddy |last4=Howell |first5=Steven |last5=Loftin |first6=Jack |last6=Rogers |first7=Rob |last7=Sayce |date=April 2019 |title=The 250 Greatest Albums of Our Lifetime |magazine=[[Rock Sound]] |publisher=Rock Sound Ltd |issue=250 |page=51 |issn=1465-0185}}</ref> Shezhaad Jiwani of ''[[Chart Attack]]'' said ''What It Is to Burn'' was one of emo's landmark releases, noting it for leading the genre alongside albums by Glassjaw and the Used.<ref name=CAlandmark>{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com:80/damn/2005/06/0701.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511182204/http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2005/06/0701.cfm|title=CD Releases: Coldplay, The White Stripes, Black Eyed Peas, Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir, Finch And More!!!|work=[[Chart Attack]]|author=Jiwani, Shezhaad|date=June 7, 2005|archive-date=May 11, 2006|access-date=May 18, 2018|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In 2013, Finch celebrated the album's 10th anniversary by performing it in its entirety. The celebration was initially intended for one show,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/49380/finch-to-reunite-for-10th-anniversary-of-what-it-is-to-burn|title=Finch to reunite for 10th anniversary of 'What It Is to Burn'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=October 19, 2012|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731184829/https://www.punknews.org/article/49380/finch-to-reunite-for-10th-anniversary-of-what-it-is-to-burn|archive-date=July 31, 2017}}</ref> before being expanded to two US tours,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/50675/tours-finch-the-almost-the-world-is-a-beautiful-place|title=Finch / The Almost / The World Is A Beautiful Place|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=February 18, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328102839/https://www.punknews.org/article/50675/tours-finch-the-almost-the-world-is-a-beautiful-place|archive-date=March 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Aubin|title=Tours: Finch / Dance Gavin Dance ('What It Is To Burn')|publisher= Punknews.org|date=July 16, 2013|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/52274/tours-finch-dance-gavin-dance-what-it-is-to-burn|access-date=August 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810001231/http://www.punknews.org/article/52274/tours-finch-dance-gavin-dance-what-it-is-to-burn|archive-date=August 10, 2014}}</ref> a European tour,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/finch-expand-what-it-is-to-burn-10th-anniversary-tour-announce-support-acts/|title=Finch Expand 'What It Is to Burn' 10th Anniversary Tour + Announce Support Acts|work=Loudwire|author=Childers, Chad|date=January 24, 2013|access-date=May 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126114418/http://loudwire.com/finch-expand-what-it-is-to-burn-10th-anniversary-tour-announce-support-acts/|archive-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref> and performances in Japan and Australia.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Aubin|title=Finch not breaking up, debut new song live|publisher=Punknews.org|date=December 16, 2013|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/53800/finch-not-breaking-up-debut-new-song-live|access-date=August 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905174843/http://www.punknews.org/article/53800/finch-not-breaking-up-debut-new-song-live|archive-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> Independent label [[Tragic Hero Records]] released a live video album of the anniversary celebrations in January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/finch-live-what-it-is-to-burn-anniversary-tour-cd-dvd/|title=Finch Announce Plans for Live 'What It Is to Burn' Anniversary Tour CD/DVD|work=Loudwire|author=Childers, Chad|date=October 17, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208134304/http://loudwire.com/finch-live-what-it-is-to-burn-anniversary-tour-cd-dvd/|archive-date=December 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

''What It Is to Burn'' has been a massive influence on Saosin's ''[[Saosin (album)|Saosin]]'' (2006), [[Young Guns (band)|Young Guns]]' ''[[All Our Kings Are Dead]]'' (2010), [[A Day to Remember]]'s ''[[What Separates Me from You]]'' (2010), [[Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows|D.R.U.G.S.]]'s ''[[D.R.U.G.S. (album)|D.R.U.G.S.]]'' (2011), and [[the Amity Affliction]]'s ''[[Chasing Ghosts (album)|Chasing Ghosts]]'' (2012).<ref>Kelham 2013, p. 42</ref> ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' said the title-track was "one of the landmark moments" for the post-hardcore genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/best-post-hardcore-songs-2000s/|title=Top 50 post-hardcore songs from the 2000s|work=Alternative Press|author=Smith-Engelhardt, Joe|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305192653/https://www.altpress.com/features/best-post-hardcore-songs-2000s/|archive-date=March 5, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sleeping with Sirens]] frontman Kellin Quinn singled out Finch's mix of screaming and singing vocal parts on the song as an influence on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/kellin-quinn-i-stage-dived-but-i-fell-straight-onto-the-concrete|title=Kellin Quinn: 'I Stage Dived, But I Fell Straight Onto The Concrete'|work=[[Rock Sound]]|author=Biddulph, Andy|date=February 19, 2016|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701163241/https://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/kellin-quinn-i-stage-dived-but-i-fell-straight-onto-the-concrete|archive-date=July 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Equally, [[Jeremy McKinnon]] said the album is the reason A Day to Remember formed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://killthemusic.net/blog/top-10-albums-that-influenced-our-current-music-scene|title=Top 10: Albums That Influenced Our Current Music Scene|publisher=Killthemusic.net|author=Mohler, Jordan|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613225912/http://killthemusic.net/blog/top-10-albums-that-influenced-our-current-music-scene|archive-date=June 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Senses Fail frontman [[Buddy Nielsen]] has cited ''What It Is to Burn'' as an influence on the band's early work,<ref name="rocksound250" /> and [[Josh Franceschi]] of [[You Me at Six]] has expressed admiration for it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/you-me-at-six-josh-franceschi-nine-favourite-songs|title=Nine Songs You Me At Six|work=[[The Line of Best Fit]]|author=Magan, Valerie|date=January 16, 2021|access-date=July 10, 2023}}</ref>

==Track listing==
All songs written by [[Finch (American band)|Finch]]. All songs produced by [[Mark Trombino]], except for What It Is to Burn (Demo Version) produced by Chris Fuderich.<ref name=WIITBbooklet/><ref name=reissue>{{cite web |title=What It Is to Burn! |url=http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=66 |website=Finch Music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204135359/http://finchmusic.com/finch_news_article.php?id=66 |archive-date=December 4, 2002 |url-status=dead |date=October 30, 2002}}</ref>

{{track listing
| headline        = ''What It Is to Burn'' standard track listing
| title1          = New Beginnings
| length1         = 4:02
| title2          = [[Letters to You]]
| note2           = Album Version
| length2         = 3:20
| title3          = Post Script
| length3         = 2:50
| title4          = Grey Matter
| length4         = 2:40
| note4           = featuring [[Daryl Palumbo]]
| title5          = Perfection Through Silence
| length5         = 3:12
| note5           = Album Version
| title6          = Awake
| length6         = 4:49
| title7          = Without You Here
| length7         = 4:10
| title8          = Stay with Me
| length8         = 4:05
| title9          = Project Mayhem
| length9         = 5:19
| note9           = featuring Daryl Palumbo
| title10         = Untitled
| length10        = 4:13
| title11         = Three Simple Words
| length11        = 4:39
| title12         = Ender
| length12        = 13:28
}}
{{track listing
| headline = First pressing bonus track<ref name=reissue/>
| title13        = [[What It Is to Burn (song)|What It Is to Burn]]
| length13       = 4:51
| note13         = Demo Version
}}
{{track listing
| headline = Reissue bonus track<ref name=reissue/>
| title13        = What It Is to Burn
| length13       = 4:29
}}
{{track listing
| headline = UK bonus tracks<ref name=AMUKbonus/>
| title14         = Letters to You
| note14         = Acoustic
| length14        = 3:40
| title15        = What It Is to Burn
| note15          = Demo Version
| length15        = 4:51
}}

==Personnel==
Personnel per booklet.<ref name=WIITBbooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=What It Is to Burn|others=Finch|year=2002|type=booklet|publisher=[[MCA Records|MCA]]/[[Drive-Thru Records]]|id=113 039-2/DTR #28}}</ref>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Finch'''
*Alex Pappas{{spaced ndash}}drums
*Derek Doherty{{spaced ndash}}bass guitar
*Nate Barcalow{{spaced ndash}}vocals
*Randy Strohmeyer{{spaced ndash}}guitar
*Alex Linares{{spaced ndash}}guitar

'''Additional musicians'''
*[[Daryl Palumbo]]{{spaced ndash}}guest vocals <small>(tracks 4 and 9)</small>
*[[Mark Trombino]]{{spaced ndash}}programming
{{col-2}}
'''Production'''
*Mark Trombino{{spaced ndash}}producer, recording, engineer, mixing
*[[Stephen Marcussen]]{{spaced ndash}}mastering

'''Design'''
*[[P.R. Brown]]{{spaced ndash}}art direction, design, photography
*[[Kris McCaddon]]{{spaced ndash}}photography
{{col-end}}

==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for ''What It Is to Burn''
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2002)
! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position
|-
!scope="row" | [[UK Albums Chart]]<ref name=UK>{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_F.HTM|title=Chart Log UK: Adam F – FYA|publisher=Zobbel.de|access-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312080650/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_F.HTM|archive-date=March 12, 2012}}</ref>
| align="center"| 177
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|99|artist=Finch|access-date=May 16, 2018|rowheader=true|refname=Bill200}}
|-
|}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Works cited===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite magazine|author=Billboard|title=Newsline...|magazine=Billboard|date=September 11, 1999|issue=37|volume=111|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oggEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT95}}
* {{cite journal|editor1-last=Patashnik|editor1-first=Ben|last=Kelham|first=Andrew|title=Hall of Fame: What It Is to Burn|journal=Rock Sound|date=April 2013|issue=172|publisher=Freeway Press Inc.|location=London|issn=1465-0185}}
* {{cite journal|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title=Reviews|journal=[[CMJ|CMJ New Music Report]]|date=April 22, 2002|issue=759|volume=71|publisher=CMJ Network, Inc|issn=0890-0795|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZoN2DInSj8MC&pg=PA3}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
<!-- This is a licensed stream for the album, which is allowed under Wikipedia polices -->
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n6HE0gqhlQ6Xm28bnqOkNIfHCem9r7A48 ''What It Is to Burn''] at [[YouTube]] (streamed copy where licensed)
*[https://guitar.com/review/album/the-genius-of-what-it-is-to-burn-by-finch/ The Genius Of... What It Is To Burn by Finch] at ''[[BandLab Technologies|Guitar]]''
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060220050656/http://www.in-your-ear.net/features/interviews/finch/ Interview]}} with In Your Ear Magazine

{{Finch}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2002 debut albums]]
[[Category:Finch (American band) albums]]
[[Category:MCA Records albums]]
[[Category:Drive-Thru Records albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Mark Trombino]]