Little Barrie could make a big name for themselves.
Little Barrie may claim to be small in name but they're certainly big on their history as the 'Pin That Badge' EP relies heavily on some classic rock n roll funk to get its message across. Thankfully, it's no pastiche or novelty but instead, a couple of tracks that easily stand on their own two feet.
'Pin That Badge' has a repetitive feel, with its quiet, almost lazy vocals and a guitar riff that is now lodged permanently in my head, so cheers for that one. Lyrically, the band may swear it's telling something deep and profound but on the whole, it just seems to fit rather well, which is the main thing.
'Green Eyed Fool' has all the swagger of T-Rex mixed in with the psychedelic nonsense feel of Donovans 'Sunshine Superman', which are two fantastic styles to mix together. As the track continues, the tempo and fever picks up, sweeping the listener up and getting them moving about and jiving. Again, it's nothing new but when the songs as enjoyable as this, who cares if it isn't the newest kid on the block, if it works, it works.
As an early heads up for their second album, it's a fairly warm comeback from Little Barrie and should build on the solid, if unspectacular, sales their debut made. Heading out on the road soon with Primal Scream will give the guys a chance to spread the word and with an audience primed for some old fashioned rocking and rolling, who is to say that Little Barrie won't make a big splash in the arenas.
All that and the review is completed without mentioning the fact that guitarist and vocalst Barrie Cadogan has been playing guitar on the road with Primal Scream as well; let's hope he is picking up two cheques for the forthcoming tour.