By LC Flowers
With calibrated ferocity, Frankincense’s Barbara EP captures the the angst that made the Seattle grunge scene of the late eighties so unique. But it’d be unfair to slap this EP with a brand or label so unhesitatingly since it too explores elements of noise rock and psychedelic. The more subdued moments are reserved for the last track of the compilation, where the vocalist finds herself ending on an introspective note.
“Sister Carrie”, the opening track, could be described as a Queens of the Stone Age and Breeders composite with blaring distortion and vocal harmonies to boot. “Postmodern” is the track that follows and fools the listener into thinking this may just be the album ballad, but soon the cavalry of driving riffs is back; this is the standout track for it seduces as it wallops. This tone of restlessness continues on “Puella” and “Tics and Spams”, where the progressive influences are more pronounced.
There is an obvious curiosity throughout Barbara that rejects restraint, evident by the vigor of a young trio that layers clean female vocal melodies on fuzzy string instruments, sometimes dissonant but mostly coinciding. I look forward to hearing the future evolution and experimentation of this group.
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