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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Track Of The Day: Projector – ‘Full Circle’

Brighton’s Projector have shared their latest single ‘Full Circle’, and it’s swept us up in to a grungy haze. The track is taken from the band’s debut EP How Does It Feel? which is set to be released via Roadkill Records on 9th November.

The trio’s debut explores themes of “anxiety, love and loss”, and ‘Full Circle’ encapsulates all three. Bassist Lucy’s vocal range is impressively showcased on the track – switching between coarse, gravelly screams and clear, magnetic harmonies – whilst drummer Demelza’s beats drive the song to its conclusion, alongside Edward’s spiralling guitar sounds.

After a string of sold out home town shows and support slots including Tigercub, Demob Happy and Deap Vally, Projector will be headlining their own shows in celebration of their debut release. The band will play in Brighton at The Haunt on 9th November, and at London’s Moth Club on 10th (tickets are available on DICE).

Listen to ‘Full Circle’ below and follow Projector on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: Indian Queens – ‘You When I Close My Eyes’

The ever cool Indian Queens have shared their debut EP You When I Close My Eyes, and it’s an atmospheric, driving compilation of sounds that prove the Hackney trio are set for big things. Released via Cool Thing Records, the EP is filled with hazy guitars, mesmeric vocals, and brooding percussion; making it the perfect soundtrack for an autumnal evening in London.

The record opens with title track ‘You When I Close My Eyes’, which was inspired by the binary opposites of “ugly and beautiful”. Jennifer O’Neill’s clear, strong vocals permeate the track, alongside sultry bass lines and grungy guitar riffs. ‘Wish You Well’ follows, blushing with an intense romantic need to be next to a lover, with its hushed vocals and catchy chorus.

The band’s first single ‘I Get No Rest’ – written during the midst of a massive political shift (Brexit, the general election) and in the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire – is a response to the inescapable feeling that (as Jennifer puts it) “rich ‘important’ people were taking the piss out of our lives”. The song’s steady percussion and moody bass lines create a jaded, but seductively atmospheric tune that remains in the mind long after it stops spinning.

Equal parts driving and delicate, ‘Pretty Little Thing’ is as attractive to the ears as its name suggests. It’s an infectious blur of hypnotic vocals and shoe gaze guitar sounds, inspired by a childhood memory of being safe and happy in a Grandparent’s garden. This nostalgic undertone makes the track ring out with warmth and understated joy, before closing track ‘Us Against The World’ proves that Indian Queens have the potential to produce original, magnetic, meaningful sounds.

Together, Jennifer, Katherine, and Matt have created an EP that warrants all the praise it’s been receiving from critics and fans alike. It’s no surprise the band received a standing ovation earlier this year after their set at Robert Smith’s Meltdown Festival – You When I Close My Eyes is a stunning debut from this compelling trio.

Download Indian Queens’ debut EP here. Follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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