Barra Head
Go get beat up
PlayRec
Much like fellow labelmates Lack, this is driven, ambitious and conscious indie rock. The first obvious difference between the two is that Barra Head has a softer approach. The press release describes the band in an apt choice of words; "half a disciplined dance, half a raging battle between instruments." I hear traces of diverse acts such as The Afghan Whigs and Dismemberment Plan which, according to me, are influences to die for. And Barra Head are well on their way to stardom with a record that is kind of complex in its simplicity. Apart from a few songs, these are not tunes designed for the radio or hitlists; they are the kinds of songs that catch hold of you if you let them. The major part of "Go get beat up" is executed with a distinct and introverted feel to it, while some songs are more direct, aiming for the gut. I wish that they had more of the latter, especially since the band does it so well! Producer Tim O'Heir (!) has connected the dots on this one, seeing that their previous releases were a bit incoherent. This is the best this band has ever done.
- Jonas Appelqvist
