A Guide To Dancing Alone
Brilliant Green, 2022
9/10
A Twin Cities trio consisting of Priscilla Thomas, Ross Johnson and Julia Brown, Barrel Flash don’t easily fit into any single category, but certainly welcome folk, country, jazz, blues and many other genres across these textured 13 tracks.
“Waiting On A Train” takes the lead off position, and has Johnson’s soulful harmonica and warm vocal harmonies populating the R&B and rootsy nods, and “Saithill” follows with a playful, Irish appeal that’s just so melodic and rich with charming instrumentation that benefits much from Thomas’ precise bass.
Elsewhere, the intimate spirit of “Riding Away” flows with expressive singing from all members in the gentle climate that embraces cello, while “Shack Out Back” head into country territory with a frisky pulse of violin acrobatics.
Closer to the end, the punchy folk rock of “Between The Lines” highlights agile acoustic guitar, Brown’s vivid storytelling and Mandy Fassett’s proficient violin, and “Starting Over” exits the listen with Johnson’s calm acoustic guitar, Thomas’ eloquent bass, Brown’s stirring voice and Fassett’s sophisticated violin finishing with much grace.
An extremely well thought out listen, Barrel Flash have a wide appeal that’s as likely to get you on the dance floor, just as it is might have you mulling things over, and this excellent debut certainly makes them an outfit to keep an eye on.
Travels well with: The Lowest Pair- Horse Camp; Jojo Green- The Summer Tree