Album Name: Insignificance
Artist: Barbez
Year/Label: 2005 / Important Records
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[Buy at Barbez Site]
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Barbez is back with a new record. The Brooklyn-based eclectic band is not your average group.
The lovely “Strange” is fuelled by singer Ksenia’s great voice and some odd instruments. Pamela Kurstin plays the theremin adding a special flavor. The song becomes a Sonic Youth meet the village kletzmer band vibe before it sails off.
Brecht’s “Song of the Moldau” gets an atmospheric reading, Kurstin’s eerie instrument competing with the Lonesome Organist’s guest spot. Ksenia’s singing is as ever haunting.
“A Melancholy Picinic” is sweet and curious, like the soundtrack to a moody black and white existentialist film.
They end with Eric Satie’s “Gnossieme #3” proving once again that they are a special band.
Posted on October 23, 2005
Track Listing
1. As for the little grey rabbit
2. Strange
3. Juan of Commitment
4. Song of the Moldau
5. A Melancholy Picnic
6. Insignificance
7. The sea spread wide
8. Pain
9. The Portrait
10. Like Snowflakes some sort of red
11. Gnoissieme#3