Brighton-based alt-pop duo Barbara are on an exciting run through 2024. Supporting Paul Weller, The Divine Comedy and Haircut with their theatrical, vintage and pop-tinged sound, the band are infused with a satirical spirit, their observations have been lauded by music media for unique songwriting to a new level.
Their latest single ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ is filled with pop-tinged bounce, at home as a singalong anthem or slotting as part of a vast musical. The twinkle of the electric piano, the punchy arrangement motifs, and their ability to slot in social takes within a sound brimming with the glow of blind optimism. Charming and quirky, it’s certainly going against the mainstream, but there’s no doubt Barbara can easily get your feet moving.
The band shares, “We know that the cost of living and inflation really aren’t very sexy things to write a pop song about… But we like a challenge! And it seemed to us that given this is an issue so many people have faced in recent years – their money being worth less and struggling to get by no matter how hard they’ve worked or studied or saved or whatever it is – that we thought it would make for a relatable theme for a song. We love songs that tell stories, and so we have tried to do the same thing here; there’s a character in ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ who I think people might recognise, perhaps in themselves or in someone they know. It’s quite a sad story really, about someone who can’t help running out of money in spite of all their hard work.”
Listen to ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ here…
