My search for new music in 2024 lead me to the last Gary Crowley Saturday evening show on Radio London. A real shame that such an advocate of new music has lost his platform. He left with a bang and left me with a new band to discover, Barbara.
The song Gary played was Waiting Outside Alone a single from late 2023. Which instantly got me intrigued. Now if I'd been on time to see Haircut 100 back in May then I would already have been acquainted with Barbara as they were the support.
A quick Google which isn't completely straightforward when looking for "Barbara" (Barbara the band works 👍) lead me to their website and their Patreon which is a window into the world of how young bands make their way in the industry in 2024.
"As a completely independent band, our existence depends firmly on the generosity of spirit from soon-to-be 'Barbarettes' around the globe. One of the easiest ways you can support us is by picking up a CD, or a lovely slice of merch from the 'Barbara Larder'. If you want to feel even more invested and essential to our progressive pop cause, then you can join our Patreon/Ko-Fi page. Patreon will give you access to a wealth of extra goodies, exclusive content carefully curated by yours truly. Ko-Fi is simply a little tip jar! We thank you in advance for all your kind words, support and smiles."
Henry & Jon
From their X profile
"Fun, fantastical and theatrical Add some Barbara the band to your life!… From Brighton bros, Henry & John Tydeman
They look very young have a band to supplement the singer and keyboard playing brothers.
There's real Sparks aesthetic about them. I found 9 tracks on Spotify and each one is wonderful. If like me you grew up in the 70s you'll love the disco references and classic guitar swooshes of bands like The Motors or Pilot. The OTT drama of ELO and yes a bit of Sparks too.
If you really cut your pop teeth in the 80s there's some China Crisis keys, the kitsch of Culture Club, the quirkiness of We Might Be Giants and the innocence of The Lotus Eaters. There’s also the sheer pop exuberance of Haircut 100. I'd love to hear them cover The Associates. Their cheeky charm reminds me of those 1982 TOTP performances.
Into the 90s now and if you remember those halcyon days imagine the style of Pulp with the dress sense of Wheezer. The lyricism of Blur and the raw enthusiasm of Dodgy. Some of the songs have all the hallmarks of a Nick heyward solo from Tangled or From Monday To Sunday. All the humour and musicality without the anger or threat from some of Britpops worst.
The 2000s and you can hear that warmth of Keane and the drama of Franz Ferdinand and even Mika? If you remember and loved The Feeling's 12 Stops and Home as many of us do then that is what I hear most vividly in the music of Barbara. Uplifting power pop. Wonder Barbara.
Luckily for you dear reader I don't know enough of the 2010's except to say if any one of the 9 songs I've heard were used to advertise a Honda Civic we'd all be driving one. They're touring with Paul Weller this year. I won't be late this time.
So there we have it as Gary Crowley leaves Saturday nights with the greatest of gifts to me. A band called Barbara. It's fitting that as we all remember Annie Nightingale I share this as a reminder of the power of the DJ who loves their music and loves to share it even more.
