Monday, 30 November 2020

Barnaby Bright - Bleak Midwinter


25 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Bleak Midwinter here (bandcamp)

Criminally, I don't know very much about the duo of Barnaby Bright, but I do know that they have crafted a soundscape of 11 wintry wonderland songs on their charming new album, Bleak Midwinter. Nathan and Becky Bliss embrace folksy Americana within their musical productions, delivering them with insightful instrumental accompaniments and nuanced vocal delivery. Across 5 classic tracks, 5 original compositions (destined to be perennial favourites) and a celebration of Hanukah, the gifted duo explore the heightened emotions of the season in a way that conveys the feelings of the listener in a far more eloquent, melodic way than most of us could imagine. It is haunting and ethereal and beautiful and majestic; never less than utterly mesmerising. 

The album begins with In The Bleak Midwinter. Becky's vocal is almost a cappella, with just the slightest hint of instrument caressing her crystalline tone. A stark percussion joins the textured voices of verse two before a crescendo into a full wall of sound. It is beguiling introduction to the opus. Christmas Time Is Here sees Becky explore the beauty of the season whilst Nathan immerses himself in the poignant melancholy of the instrumental. It is a riveting juxtaposition that entwines together with an elegant grace. The sense of pathos continues into Please Come Home For Christmas; one of the saddest songs written. Along with Caleb Hawley, every ounce of yearning is felt through aching, soulful singing and a rich layered score. The emotive delivery is all but tangible; quite honestly, it is a musical plea that would be very hard to say no to. 

Star Crossed Christmas is the album's first original song and it is a beauty. In a way, it feels like the response letter to the previous track - the sorrow felt at not being able to be with your loved one at the most wonderful time of the year. Poetic lyrics & a buoyant make-the-best-of it chorus are an utter delight. If We Listen features Liz Longley and has some truly timeless words to take heed of. Glorious harmonies, shimmering piano and a message to take the spirit of Christmas with you all year round cascade like lights on the most ornate tree. Throw in that stately violin accompaniment and it is heavenly Yuletide magic. Mary, Did You Know sees the duo draft in Calvin Arsenia for a reverent, respectful ponderings of one of the season's most resonant contemporary carols. Calvin's voice is a gift that adds a solemn sense of celestial wonder to the soaring music. 

Isolation and loneliness may well be the theme of 2020 so My First Christmas Eve feels particularly relevant and timely. The way the voices buttress each other is an actual work of living art that accentuates the elegy in the story they sing. The indomitable human spirit shines through, however, and you are left with just a glimmer of hope. Christmas Time (Again) is a witty ode to the excess of Thanksgiving - and how it is the gateway to the duo's preferred holiday of Christmas. They give you all the valid reasons why; it is a cultural lesson for me as a Brit - I basically see Hallowe'en (and The Nightmare Before Christmas) as fair game to go full on festive. Ner Li is the Hanukah song which proves language and music know no barriers. The song glows as bright as the candle they sing about and is so radiant it glimmers long after they finish singing. 

The album comes to an (almost) end with my favourite ever carol. I'm very protective of O Holy Night but Barnaby Bright take the awe inspiring words to heart and give an interpretation that is both true to their sound and deferent to the timeless story. Gentle yet effective crescendos happen at all the right moments, whilst Becky's voice flies to the heavens above. It is pure rapture. An all round song that also feels seasonal rounds out the collection. The Hurting Times is a lilting, lovely verbalisation of the all consuming power of love and how it can make you selfless with its redemptive glory. It is soothing and heart felt; a lush piece of music that doesn't deserve to be heard by just you. It lives and breathes to be passed on from person to person, spreading the testimony across this oft-woeful world of ours. It will make you believe in hope again. Stunning. 

**Ghosts of Christmas past**
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