Music Review: Barry, "Yawnin' in the Dawnin'"

Hello again, folks. As I'm sure all of you know by now, I'm a huge music fan, especially music from unique, smaller bands. Today I'll be reviewing a folk rock band, Barry, comprised of three brothers from New York. Ben Barry is an English teacher (my future career), Pat and Ben are both former Marines, and Bradford is in school, but together they are following their musical dream. Major respect there. So, are you ready to rock and roll (or rock and folk, I don't know)? Good, let's get started.

Song by Song Review
Their EP starts out with the short song "Yawnin' in the Dawnin'", and at first I was skeptical. And then the foot stomping kicked in and I found myself tapping my feet along to the beat.
"For Your Own Good" starts out with a harmonica solo that is included throughout the song, and makes this rock song feel more bluesy. I love the voice of the singer (although I'm not completely sure which one is singing the most), and the harmonies with all three of them add to the folksy feel of their music. Easily my favorite off of the EP, this song skillfully balances folk and rock.
"Carnival(e)" has a darker feel with the fantastical lyrics and soft, low voice of the singer. This is another great example of how Barry can combine the folk and rock genres into one song. Not to mention the soft pounding of the bass drum makes this song very catchy.
"Three Years in Carolina" also features the excellent vocal harmonies of the brothers. The lyrics to this song feel very country and folksy, but the beat adds to the rock aspect of the band. As the song comes closer to the end, all we hear is the guitar and the singer, and that is truly a beautiful moment, and then it picks back up again (as all good songs do).
"Drink One More" comes up next, and it starts a little slow. I really like how the brothers switch off with the singing, and then harmonize in the choruses; it makes their songs much more interesting to listen to. The almost church choir-like harmonizing of their voices closer to the end of this song is haunting, I love it (I listened to it again after the song ended).
"Love Something Too Much" is another great example of the country-esque lyrics, but the folk rock feel makes the song less "hick-y" than if it were just another country song. One line from the song really got me, "She sang the saddest songs on the radio." The lyrics in this song are great, and I greatly admire when musicians write their own music, it adds to credibility and talent.
Last but not least, "Great Unknown" wraps up this EP. This song is one of those rock ballads that I could almost see being tied into a scene in a movie. I think this is another great song that epitomizes their balance of folk rock sound with emotional, almost country-style lyrics.

As I usually do with anything, Overall Grade of EP: B+
This was a great debut EP, and I can't wait to see what Barry has coming next. Their sound is unique and interesting, which makes them a great listen and I would (and will) suggest them to friends. They will appeal to many people because of how they combine rock music with country-style lyrics, which can be a hard thing to do. Overall, this was very good. My only problem is that sometimes it's hard to hear what they're saying over the loud music (specifically in "Great Unknown"), and their lyrics are truly great that deserve to be clearly heard. I can see Barry making it pretty big, and I really hope they do!

Here's more stuff about Barry for you music fans out there. A video, and a link to their website, and a message: PLEASE buy their music on iTunes. If you like this band (which I'm sure you do), please buy their music instead of downloading it elsewhere. They deserve the money and publicity for their music.
Check out Barry's website HERE!

"Carnival(e)"

Enjoy this dose of new music, guys!

Would You Like to Download "Sister" from Mumford & Sons?

Here's the best part: It's free! And legal! (That is the best combination when it comes to music. I am strongly opposed to illegally downloading music, just so you know.)

So guys, I found a way to download "Sister" from Mumford & Sons' website, hence legal. I happened to stumble upon it, and since I'm so super in love with that song right now, it was perfect! Would you like the link? Yes? Okay!
Download "Sister" HERE!

You're welcome world. To add cherry on top of this Mumford Ice Cream, here's some pictures. And another funny interview (it's one of my favorites). Enjoy!

If that's Winston smoking, I'm going to be pissed...

Interview with Mark Hoppus (Winston makes me laugh so hard in this one):

You're welcome, world. Remember to enjoy your daily dose of Mumford & His Sons (especially the Winston Marshall son).

More New Music: In the Thread of Mumford & Sons

Hello, readers. Since my last New Music post went over so well, I have decided to do it again. (I will try to make this happen often because I know how much people love finding new music.)

Today's New Music is in the thread of Mumford & Sons, hence the title. When I went to their amazing concert a few weeks ago (which remains as the greatest night ever), there were two fantastic bands that open for them. I know have mentioned them before, but I want this to be a loud and clear message to the world. These next two performers that I am about to introduce you to are so flipping awesome, your brain might explode (wear a helmet). Ready for brain explosion? Let's do this.

Matthew and the Atlas

Matthew (bottom left) kind of looks like Mitchell from "Modern Family."

This was the first band to open for Mumford & Sons (the one which my mom missed because she almost passed out). So, hearing them live was pretty darn cool because they are full of greatness, but it's even more awesome to have their music for yourself, which I have. Anyway, this band was started by lead singer Matthew Hegarty, who is British, and he also plays the banjo and guitar. He put together this awesome band, and they are awesome. There is a female singer who beautifully harmonizes with Matthew, named Lindsay West, who also plays the piano.  The other band members are: Dave Millar - accordian, vocals, Thomas Field - drums, and Harrison Cargill - banjo, vocals.
So now that you guys have been formally introduced, onto the music. Matthew's voice is stunning, and like I already mentioned, Lindsay's voice sounds beautiful with his, a perfect mix of high and low. How the tones of their voices work with the music they make is just wonderful. The lyrics to their songs are so powerful and meaningful, they take my breath away. Like Mumford & His Sons, I would classify Matthew and his Atlas as Indie Folk. The banjo and piano adds to the folksy sound, without sounding too country. They are just the right amounts of rock, folk, and bluegrass. This band will blow your mind!!
Songs to Check Out: I Will Remain (my favorite), I Followed Fires, Within the Rose

Video Time!
"Within the Rose"

"I Will Remain" (So, according to most websites I'm singing the lyrics wrong, but I think I'm singing them right. Anyway, my favorite line is: "To you, is it a failure, to forget the ones you once held dear, I tried to remember but my mind is no longer clear. Ooh ooh ooh, you recognize me? I've fallen from, far from the tree." Awesome, awesome song.)

Next up is a Hometown Hero,
Nathaniel Rateliff

Before we get into the awesomeness that is his music, funny story: I was listening to him the other day and my mom said, "Oh, is this Daniel Radcliff?" And I said, "No, Mom, this isn't Harry Potter." I am hilarious.
Anyway, as I mentioned, Nathaniel is a hometown hero, because he is from Colorado (represent). So Nathaniel's voice is amazing. As the guys next to me at the concert said, "Sometimes he sounds like he's singing a foreign language, but he isn't. But his raspy voice is so amazing, and that makes his music great." I know that doesn't sound like the best compliment (it is one, I swear), but it's true. Rateliff's voice is so unique and raspy, that sometimes you can't completely understand what he's saying, but that adds to the mystery of his music. His lyrics are so beautiful and relatable, that I sometimes I have a hard time stopping myself from listening to the song over and over again just to take in the words (it is also like this with the former band). Rateliff's voice sounds beautiful with the instruments and how he composes the music and lyrics add to the drama. His music is also in the folksy thread, but has a little more rock than bluegrass. Rateliff often performs with The Fairchildren, and his voice sounds amazing when accompanied by the female singer of that band. Beautiful.
Songs to Check Out: Shroud (my favorite), Early Spring Till, Laughing

Video Time!
"Shroud" (My favorite line is: "Well don't blow my cover, it's taken years to make a beautiful shroud." Stunning, it really is.)

"Early Spring Till"

Okay guys, I have introduced you to these amazing, deserving, and probably struggling bands. Whether or not you loved these guys (although I'm 100% positive that you did), if you want their music, PLEASE buy it on iTunes or through their websites. Matthew and the Atlas and Nathaniel Rateliff are small, amazing musicians who deserve to make money off of the music they have worked so hard to put out there. Support small musicians, buy their music.
Matthew and the Atlas (their website isn't yet up, but it links to other stuff, and you can get a free track)
Nathaniel Rateliff

Enjoy, world!