Denver based quartet Barbara have been making waves in the Colorado indie scene for the last few years and their latest album “So This Is Living” is a welcoming addition to the bands consistently growing discography.
Opening number “Burn Me” is nothing short of stellar as it’s lush layers of thick instrumentation and elegant vocals set the pace for this truly epic album.
“Tart Cherry” has a breezy, uplifting feel to it that’s full of chiming guitars backed by a shuffling beat. It’s a really introspective piece that incorporates just the right amount of intensity and meshes perfectly with the intricate structure of the following song “y r u here?”.
The bass and guitar riff that flows through “So This Is Living” blends aspects of indie rock, soul and psychedelia together to make something really magical. Camilla Vaitaitis vocals are amazing and everything about this song is perfect to me while “Anyways” is another favorite as it’s laid back pace and fuzzed out guitar riff have an underlying menace and swagger that put the song over the top. At times it makes me think of a more psychedelic Palehound and I get a great feeling every time I hear it.
Other highlights include the driving sounds of “Dark Water Disco”, the infectious feel of “My Birthday Party” and the cosmic “Bndryl”.
I really can’t say enough good things about this record. Everything from the musicianship, production and arrangements are top notch. Certainly one of the best albums I’ve heard so far in 2025.
