AWmusic

Laura Barrett’s main instrument is the kalimba, an African thumb piano. It is both rhythmic and somewhat melodic. Laura’s kalimba playing has a fairly uniform sound, which makes it a huge plus that some other instruments are featured on Victory Garden (and making it a big step up from here Earth Sciences EP).

Among other things, the music here could be called lo-fi. My biggest complaint about the album is that the songs don’t seem to really go anywhere—it’s always quiet, and there are few build-ups or climaxes. The flow is fine, but many songs just pass by without any remarkable moments. This will bother some listeners and others will be fine with it, but it made me restless quite often.

The lyrics and vocals are another thing worth mentioning—the words are sometimes interesting on account of their deep, abstract metaphor, and sometimes they seem vague beyond analysis. Ms. Barrett always sings in the same soft, somewhat distant tone. It’s pleasant, but it doesn’t add any meaning or emphasis to the words. It also contributes towards many tracks sounding similar.

There are several songs, though, that work quite well. “Chidiya” adds elements (kalimba, horn, percussion, backup vocals) one at a time, making the song sound like it’s progressing. “A Certain Majoy Vinylsky” is more of an interlude than anything. In its short running length, it draws attention to the interesting sound of the kalimba, and “ooohs” and spacey sound effects give it a personality.

My favourite song on Victory Garden is “The Sharper Side,” which is made up of numerous distinct parts that still flow well. “Escape to the Sun Dome” has fewer parts, but they’re still distinct. Some of “Rien A Declarer” is a bit jazzy, and it would be a standout if the vocals were as lively as the music seems to demand.

All in all, it’s worth listening to Laura Barrett before deciding on whether or not to buy Victory Garden. She definitely has a unique sound.

Listen/Download:
Consumption by Laura Barrett

Tags: album