EP: Barrie – ‘Singles’

The list of famous Barries in pop music essentially extends to one very short (if pretty successful) list of Messrs White, Manilow and Gibb. Newly added to that list are the five people who make up synth-rock combo Barrie, led by songwriter and lead vocalist Barrie Lindsay. Although based in New York, the group are a diverse bunch with three Americans (Barrie, Spurge and Noah), a Brit (drummer Dom, formerly of Is Tropical) and Brazilian (bassist Sabine). Originating from the songs written by Barrie as a solo performer, the group largely came together through Brooklyn’s The Lot online radio – before finding Sabine through an ad on a dating app. Their new EP, released on sky-blue 12” and tape cassette, brings together the bands’ three singles to date, coupled with remixes by FaltyDL and Shura (‘Canyons’), and Brother Michael (‘Michigan’).

First single, ‘Canyons’, originally released in February, kicks things off. Drops of bass act as a counter-point to funk guitar and sparkling top-note synths that dovetail with Barrie’s icicle vocals. As the track’s instrumentation spins into multiple layers, the sounds move towards shimmering dream-pop but with something chilly underpinning it, like an autumn evening on a beach.  

Second single ‘Tal Uno’ follows, arpeggiated and sweet, like an ’80s prom-night slowie, conjuring up images of frilly dresses and spinning glitter-balls. The key, again, is the gentle synths and their blend, contrasting with the song’s vocals – although here the rhythm section step up to flow closer to pop territory. If Tiffany had a cool older sister who made synthwave, then ‘Tal Uno’ is what she’d sound like. ‘Michigan’ completes the move into pop, verging on soft-rock with its nagging, hooky drum-machine and picked guitar. The synths are used here to offer a background melody, with vocals that are warmer, breathier and more vibrant on top.

In interviews, Barrie have said that their sound is a “future longing for hopeful nostalgia” and a reflection of the band’s qualities as “eclectic, accomplished [and] confident”. And it’s hard to disagree when the group’s first EP arrives sounding quite so polished and ice-cool. Between the chill vocals and imagist lyrics by their lead singer, the multiple layers of intricate percussion and infectious melodies, the group’s chill-synth soft-rock stylings prove that Barrie are truly ready to enter the pantheon of pop.

Singles is out now via Winspear.

John McGovern
@etinsuburbiaego

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ALBUM: Emma Lohan – ‘Black Atlantic’

Galway songwriter Emma Lohan crafts intricate, gentle melodies based around her travels on debut album Black Atlantic. After exploring the Atlantic coast from her homeland in Ireland to West Africa and South America, Lohan has created eight tracks that explore her reactions to the landscapes, to the people, and to her own emotions along the way. She’s set to self-release the record (in association with CITOG RECORDS) on October 25th in digital format, as well as on recycled CD (with a download code included).

On opening track ‘Wander Free’, Lohan extrapolates about places she’s never been. Accompanied by gentle guitar, steady percussion and twinkling strings, her lamentations have a captivating day-dream-like quality. Following track ‘1957’ flows in the same vein, as she explores the universe through calm chords and tender vocals. Her journey continues with ‘Snails Trail’, on which she states “I’m not lost, nor am I found” – which feels like an apt explanatory lyric for each of her songs on the record. Her careful story-telling makes the image in the song’s title glisten with gentle intensity.

‘Three Sparrows’ is a nod to her “lyrical hero” Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, and is accompanied by a beautiful stop-motion video directed by Marta Barcikowska. Filled with double entendre, it’s “an escape encapsulating a dangerous love affair” along the stormy Salthill Promenade of Lohan’s hometown in Galway. Her fusion of folk and romance combine beautifully here, making ‘Three Sparrows’ a charming listen. ‘Gut’ follows with its disarming string arrangements and more of Emma’s instinctive lyrics: “there’s beauty in flaws” – and the upbeat, atmospheric sounds of ‘Serekunda’ break through shortly after.

On the penultimate ‘Wild Days’ Lohan yearns for times gone by; times of freedom and reckless abandon, before title track ‘Black Atlantic’ closes the record. Lohan paints images of childhood isolation and loneliness with her lyrics, but the song feels anything but sad – it has a transient quality that makes these painful moments feel less melancholy. Her upbeat rhythms and casual delivery make this a triumphant closing song.

Black Atlantic is clearly a personal album for Emma Lohan, but with her smooth delivery and the record’s buoyant undercurrent of joyful exploration – its a personal experience that can be shared and enjoyed by others too.

Order your copy of Black Atlantic here. Follow Emma Lohan on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Introducing Interview: Cryptic Street

Maltese rockers Cryptic Street are fast becoming known in the UK for their immense, riotous live performances, and we cannot wait for them to headline for us at The Five Bells on 26th October!

We caught up with the band before the head on over to blow our minds! So, get to know all about Cryptic Street here…

Hi Cryptic Street, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and what you do?
Hi! We are so looking forward to performing for your Get in Her Ears event on 26th October! We are Cryptic Street – a psychedelic punk band ready to rock your patriarchal ears and mess with your brain. We’re serving alternative madness fresh out of a DIY framework, straight outta Malta!

How did you all initially get together and start creating music?
Leona (vocalist) and Janelle (guitarist) initially met in an all-girls school and founded Cryptic Street 8 years ago for a school project. After several lineup changes and a lot of ups and downs, we decided that it was something we want to pursue in a serious and professional way, and we are working to do just that!

We love your soaring post-punk energy, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
We have a wide range of musical influences, but our music and lyrics mostly channel an emotion or an experience that we would be going through at that point in time. Rather than pinpointing specific artists, Cryptic Street’s music is like a sponge – absorbing everyday life and personal troubles to create something cathartic and meaningful.

We can’t wait for you to headline for us at The Five Bells on 26th October, but would you say there’s been a particular gig you’ve played so far that stands out as a highlight for you?
All performances are special to us. Performing in Malta is heart warming since we’re performing for our home crowd and for people who have seen us grow. On the other hand, every time performing abroad is a different challenge since we have to prove ourselves again and again, and that itself is very invigorating and makes us want to push and challenge ourselves both musically and personally. However, supporting Acid Mothers Temple and PINS last year were definitely special gigs for us!

How is the music scene in Malta? Do you go to see much live music?
Malta’s music scene is small but blooming. There are projects ranging across the musical spectrum, and live music is something that is happening constantly all year round. The music community is a tight knit one, and you always manage to find a fellow musician that will help you out in some way or another. Everyone knows everyone, and obviously that has its advantages and disadvantages. There’s a lot of talent… But little international exposure. We hope to continue pushing the boundaries and promote Malta as a musical hot spot whenever we tour.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new upcoming bands/artists who that you’d recommend we check out?
We would definitely recommend Emme Woods from Scotland – she’s amazing, and of course, the amazing bands we’re performing with for your wonderful event (HAWXX, Worst Place, Panic Pocket). We would also recommend Maltese artists such as Beesqueeze, nosnow/noalps, and all the other cool bands and artists hailing from Malta… too many to mention everyone!

And how do you feel the industry is for new bands at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
Coming from a tiny island, we definitely have to push harder and harder to get noticed and to get gigs abroad. There are so many amazing bands, for example in the UK, especially in our niche of Riot Grrrl punk, that you constantly have to push yourself in all aspects. Doing it DIY, like so many bands out there at the moment, is both rewarding and stressful at the same time – apart from the music we have to cater for everything, ranging from admin work to design to social media etc. We even organise our own parties in order to fund band stuff! Bands nowadays have to think of themselves as brands and that really pushes people involved in bands to develop different skill sets. On the other hand, we really want to advocate the importance of taking care of your mental well being – being a musician is tough work, and you really need to be mentally strong to navigate through all the rejections and obstacles that the industry throws at you. That’s something that really spills over in our lyrics too!

Finally, what does the rest of 2018 have in store for Cryptic Street?
First of all, we have our upcoming UK Tour – totally DIY, totally fun, and supported by Girls Against and Women that Rock. We really wanted to support female talent during this tour and promote safe inclusive spaces where everyone, irrespective of their differences, can enjoy a night out without the fear of being harassed or mocked. That’s something we REALLY believe in. Therefore we are collaborating with a lot of feminist/non-binary promoters and we’re performing alongside a lot of inspiring, innovative artists. So check us out cause we’re coming for ya! We will also have our unique merch pieces as well as our Titty Monster album on sale during each performance so make sure you come and grab them here. We will be spending the rest of 2018 writing new music, developing the band and our vision, and becoming even more kick ass!

Huge thanks to Cryptic Street for answering our questions! Catch them live headlining our gig at The Five Bells, New Cross on 26th October! 

They’re also playing the following dates for their End Of The Titty Monster Tour:

26th October – London, The Five Bells (for Get In Her Ears!)
27th October – London The Good Mixer
28th October – Cardiff, The Moon
29th October – Exeter, The Cavern Club
30th October – Bristol, Venue TBA
31st October – Brighton, Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
1st November – London, The Windmill
2nd November – Brighton, The Green Door Store
3rd November – Sheffield, HER FEST//Picture House Social

Have a listen to Cryptic Street on Soundcloud and Spotify, and give them a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Matthew Attard

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Video Premiere: Voice Of Aiko – ‘Prescription Dream’

In collaboration with Voice Of Aiko, Arts Council England and charities REST, MIND and APRIL, Enya Belak Gupta has made a powerful film to tackle a global problem with prescription drugs. A creative collective of musicians, artists and filmmakers, Voice Of Aiko is dedicated to campaigning for change and raising awareness of important issues.

A chilling insight into the terrible impact that prescription drugs can cause, ‘Prescription Dream’ oozes a dark, unnerving energy reflecting the helplessness and confusion that addiction can often cause. As vibrant, explicit visuals are accompanied by flowing glitchy beats and soaring Beth Gibbons-esque vocals, an unnerving, warped soundscape is created, interweaving shades of trip-hop and electronica to captivating effect.

Of the video, Voice Of Aiko founder Calista explains:

“What drove us to launch this project was hearing the shocking statistics and stories about what potential harm medications prescribed by the doctor can cause and how easily this can be helped by us just talking about it more, allowing people to make informed choices. We hope that with this emotional song, Enya’s stunning video, the artistic workshops and the weekly vlog we can raise awareness on this very important subject.”

Watch the poignant video for ‘Prescription Dream’ here:

‘Prescription Dream’ is out tomorrow 17th October. Voice Of Aiko is grateful to be supported using public funding by The National Lottery through Arts Council England.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

 

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