BARB: BARB

BARB
BARB
Yep Roc Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Most music fans here in the States may not even recognize one of this Down Under supergroup comprised of Liam Finn, Lawrence Arabia, Eliza-Jane Barnes, Connan Mockasin and Seamus Ebbs. Regardless of your knowledge, BARB is for sure to split many music fans here with their psychedelic rock that more then once, will challenge you to keep focus. The band admittedly didn't have any songs or anything written before booking a month of studio time. This looseness runs the entire record and feeds its ups and downs. It has plenty of jam spacey instrumental interludes, as well as featuring just about everyone on the mic. It gives you a different flavor with each track and lets songs find their way to conclusion. It is not a record I would play all the time but I can tell you that even if you don't know their names, all five members are extremely talented. BARB may not be the album of the moment but this debut does set the tone for the group, as they could benefit from committing fully to the music and utilizing their talents more collectively then collaboratively.

Key Track: "Alcoholic Darling"

Band With Similar Fire: The Flaming Lips

BARB MySpace
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony