Review:

on 2012-07-05 Michael_Morrison Said:

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound & image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

Today I listened to the latest CD from New York based 5 piece The Barrens who just released their debut self titled CD in 2012. Venturing to their website I get the impression this is one 4 piece that is determined and extremely passionate about the songwriting craft. From start to finish this CD from The Barrens delivers and is a very entertaining musical experience. It has a very striking Alternative Rock quality to it, and even dabbles in Psychedelic Punk Rock. It also reminds me of Lisa Gerrard, Pieter Bourke, Brendan Perry and Love is Colder than Death. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release from The Barrens. It's clearly marketed for those who like the 2 singer vocal tandems from Colin Fitzgerald and Debbie Chou. I get the impression this band is letting it all hang out via this compelling 11 track line up. In other words they hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who they are musically. Favorite tracks include (Claw Remains) and (Felt). All songs strike the perfect balance between rock, alternative rock and even some older Psychedelic-Trippy-Punk. The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent rock band. Within each one of these pieces The Barrens bare their soul and deliver what I would call pure musical mojo. It offers much in the way of passion and compelling-thought provoking lyrical content. All the playing is spot on and just makes the whole CD even more enjoyable. The overall vibe of the production is very dark, foreboding with pockets of hope shining through. It's also mysterious, reckless and not so easily defined.

As far as sound quality goes the music barely keeps its head above water with respect the overall sound quality. Not sure why this is - all I can say is the CD sounded strange on my high end stero system. It's kind of like watching The Matrix on a black and white TV.

I see The Barrens as a diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by he will no doubt hear more from these 5 no doubt. I am eager to hear what his next release will sound like. I am also eager to see what the future holds for these 5 as well as they fit together like a hand in glove. In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what it but The Barrens have whatever "it" is.

Michael Morrison
West Lothian, Scotland (UK)


Rating: 7/10