EP REVIEW: Old Barber 'UFO Phil'

Rating:

With the idea of two diverse, sparkling minds committing themselves together to create art as one; it’s no wonder that side-project collaborations are currently the forerunners in musical originality. Think of the excitement that surrounded Rhys Webb’s and Tom Cowan’s (The Horrors) Spider and The Flies and reminisce the success which Brian Burton’s (Dangermouse) and James Mercer’s (The Shins) Broken Bells generated. But, most importantly; start to imagine how long until the mysterious Taylor Stewart’s and sultry songstress Luna Webster’s Old Barber will subject itself to total world takeover.

Blending distressing vocals with sleek and sophisticated electronic drones; Old Barber – a perplexing Scottish two-piece branded as a “destructive duo” – are already beginning to make waves online with their first collaboration venture, taking the form of the ‘UFO Phil’ EP. The eye-catching, obscurely titled EP is made up of five emotion-doused haunting tracks; each one showcasing the utter talent of the minds behind Old Barber.

Floaty summer vibes and piercing electronic whines expel themselves from ‘UFO Phil’ as opening track ‘Pilot’ kicks in. Packing a light punch; ‘Pilot’ introduces the listener to the mind-set of Old Barber; beckoning in with stunning hooks and a killer, poignant vocal performance from Webster. As ‘Pilot’ draws to a close however ‘Bleach‘; featuring a moody, swooning keyboard riff, swings onto the scene. Although ‘Bleach’ casts a heavily baffling glow across the duo, the track also showcases the pure passion and physical strength that the pair shares. Chemistry between Old Barber spits and steeps its way from ‘Bleach’; a track which is sure to melt the knees of ravenous fans if preformed live.

In a daze of flying colours and hypnotic grooves; the ethereal ‘Liquor and Lipstick’ brings an atmosphere of sheer, radiating beauty to the EP. “I’d like to liven up your life/but you can’t see that I’m dead inside” echoes the evocative voice of Webster before the track explodes into a storm of cool, controlled madness.

Closely following ‘Liquor and Lipstick’ is the magnificently eerie ‘Exit Strategy’. Adorned with urbane synthesisers; the one minute mouth-watering closing track leaves a peculiar sensation brimming in the listeners gut as they itch and cry out for more and more.

Triumphantly, the EP grinds to a halt and all expectations of Old Barber are breathtakingly blown out of the water. The collaboration of the faces behind Old Barber – Stewart and Webster – hit the jackpot when they collided; spurting gold and outlining the future of electronic Scottish music. The listener may be floundering and groping for more after ‘UFO Phil’, but Old Barber have you in the palm of their hands: and that’s exactly where they want you.

Listen and purchase ‘UFO Phil’ by Old Barber by following the link below:
http://oldbarber.bandcamp.com/releases

Rating: 5/5

Ella Scott
@ell44h