The Barr Brothers QUEENS OF THE BREAKERS. Secret City

“The opening song starts with a drum pattern that mimics the sound of two heartbeats out of sync. It was written by Andrew Barr while holding the hand of a loved one in hospital, where he heard two EKG machines beating slowly in and out of time with each other, occasionally aligning, but destined to dither.”

The album features the brothers on guitar, drums and vocals with Sarah Page on harp. This Canadian band has enjoyed a twenty-year career and appeared on many USA and Canadian TV and radio shows including BBC Radio, The Late Show, CBC ‘q’, CBA This Morning Saturday, Canada AM, and legendary KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic. They’ve also shared stages with The National, The War On Drugs, Patrick Watson, My Morning Jacket, Emmylou Harris and many others.

QUEENS OF THE BREAKERS is The Barr Brothers’ finest work yet, a collection of 11 hypnotically fluid songs that speak to the raw, elemental power of reflection, forgiveness, loss, and growing up. The record finds the band further on their musical path of exploring the outer limits of folk, blues, rock and Americana made north of the American border. Opener ‘Defibrillation’ (described above) makes for an intriguing, ambitious and beautiful start to the album. There’s an intensity of the sparse instrumentals and distant vocals that is compelling. Add a strong melody and lyrics, expressive vocals, wonderful production and you have a song that is nothing short of stunning in its emotional impact. ‘Look Before It Changes’ is next and arrives with a sharper, meandering sound with gentle vocals that caress each and every lyric aided by another strong melody. Towards the end of the song the pace quickens with guitar sounds similar to overhead seagulls. It’s a fascinating song.

‘Song That I Heard’ is further into Country & Western territory but also with a strong Folk sound and I’m reminded of Simon and Garfunkel at their best. The song moves along like a rippling mountain stream with plucked guitars and brass featuring strongly. Whichever way you look here there are songs of supreme quality with emotion seeping out of every note. But there’s also a diversity of sounds such as the rockier ‘Maybe Someday’, blues dominated ‘Komphomat’ and ethereal pop of ‘You Would Have To Lose Your Mind’. Essential listening for lovers of real music.

5/5

Howie Payne MOUNTAIN. Full Stack

“I think MOUNTAIN is my best record so far. It’s got a mellow vibe but the songs are rooted in real life which gives it some weight and a bit of edge.”

This is an album of strong melodies, youthful and gentle vocals, strong live production qualities and pop sensibilities. Ultimately it’s radio-friendly West Coast pop with most songs sounding quite similar. Standout track is ‘The Brightest Star’ with its catchy choruses and which sums up the album well.

3/5