Barbara’s new single ‘Master Narrative’ is an artful, eccentric, and charismatic classic-pop preened cut seemingly beamed straight out of the 70s. From its Wings-like piano trills, to its ELO harmonies, or its Trevor Horn-like production, Barbara infuse the polished sounds of yesteryear with meticulously-crafted offbeat idiosyncrasies all their own to create something special.
Following a string of rapturously received singles, the latest act from the Tydeman brothers sees them satirising the total circus that is politics in the 21st Century and the clowns who continue to dominate its daily discourse.
As Barbara explain: “’Master Narrative‘ is basically a song about the alluring appeal of big, brash personalities in 21st century politics and how the nature of social media and clickbait promotes these personas regardless or whether or not their ideas are particularly good or helpful.”
Produced by Paul Steel and mixed/mastered by Julian Tardo at Church Road Studios, the release finds Barbara effortlessly blend their caricature-esque storytelling with their ear for an infectious melody on a track that sounds as warmly familiar as it does refreshingly original. As the duo add of ‘Master Narrative‘:
“It’s about the ‘celebrification’ of politics, and how easy it can be to find yourself going along with it all as a viewer or voter because of the truly beguiling power of those with great charisma.”
The new single also arrives with a circus-themed official lyric video:
‘Master Narrative’ follows previously released charming live performance videos for new songs ‘These New Communications‘ and ‘Pretty Straight Guy‘. Recorded live from their rehearsal space, Brighton Electric, the films were captured by Avocado Baby Media and are available to watch now.
Barbara are also currently touring across the UK in support of legendary new wave band Haircut 100, with more dates to be added soon. . The duo’s remaining dates with Haircut 100 are as follows:
10 BEXHILL De La Warr Pavilion
11 IPSWICH Corn Exchange
16 LIVERPOOL O2 Academy
17 YORK Barbican
About Barbara.
A duo of brothers from Hove on the South Coast, Barbara are Henry and John Tydeman. Taking their lead from an eclectic set of influences that range from Glam Pop to Broadway, they make classic, irresistible pop music with a literary and intellectual approach. Whilst the influence on the music is noticeably American, Barbara’s lyrics are quintessentially British, infused with the inquisitive, satirical spirit of Harold Pinter, George Orwell and Ray Davies.
Releasing a string of tracks since their inception in 2021, the band have earned praise from national titles like BBC Introducing and Louder Than War. Catching the ear of kindred spirit Tom Rees (of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard) he went on to produce the band’s previous single “Rainy Days In June”. The band released their humorously-titled debut EP ‘Mildly Entertaining’ last year.
With the brothers joined by three other musicians when performing on stage, Barbara’s live shows to date have attracted much acclaim. With sparkling performances at festivals such as Isle Of Wight, the band were also handpicked by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy to support the band on their ‘Charmed Life’ UK tour. “They are so up my street,” Hannon enthused, “really tight songwriting, very poptastic!’. Barbara have also had the thumbs up from Squeeze’s Chris Difford who praised: “Barbara are wonderful. I love their songs and their humour. We need more Barbara in our lives!”.
