Headspace by We Barbarians
LABEL: Beranimal

We Barbarians, newly Brooklyn based after moving to New York from the West Coast, have just released Headspace, their new EP. The band is originally from California, but, said frontman David Quon, “We decided to move to Brooklyn to see how it would affect our lives and mindset as a band.”

  The Wait Is Over by webarbarians

The songs on the EP are poignant, with a smattering of epic flare in them. There are strong hints of U2, especially in the first song, “Chambray,” which has a ballad-like feel along with a steady beat, and the addition of subtle instrumentation to steer the song along. There’s an Edge-like suspense created by the very faint guitar tying the song together.

Headspace builds up in all the right places. It has universal appeal in the lyrics, “I need to get some movement/get out of my headspace/get into a good place," and a killer riff leading into a chorus which takes you away. It’s the perfect stadium song, and the drums build suspense and movement as well as the harmonies.

  Chambray by webarbarians

Hinting even more at the band’s influences is a cover of Brian Eno and David Byrne’s Strange Overtones, included on the EP. It’s a decent cover, mellow and winsome, almost like a throwback to pop songs of the ‘80s, though the single itself was released by Byrne and Eno in 2008. The bass line pops out at you in the interstices between chorus and verse. The EP finishes up with “The Wait is Over;” a steady, feel-good tune with heavy drumming and spacey guitar.

Overall, this EP has me looking forward to the full-length album, as well. Headspace is merely a teaser and it has made curious to catch their show, giving me a taste of what this intriguing trio can cook up.


REVIEWED BY KYRSTEN BEAN
KYRSTEN’S FAVORITE TRACK: “Headspace”
Kyrsten Bean is a freelance writer, a musician and a photographer.