"Barbez" by Barbez

a Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Barbez have an odd sound. The band use instruments like the theremin and vibraphone to great effect. They are fronted by Ksenia Vidyay Kina who sings compellingly in both English and Russian.

The songs are self penned, but they also do two Brecht/Weill numbers, a Russian folk song and a Residents cover.

The progressive rock of "Sacrifice Poles" has a free flowing feel and a melodic vocla from Ksenia. Nils Frykdahl from the band Faun Fables turns up to duet on "Tango Ballade". It's a pretty straightforward but memorable version of the Brecht/Weill song. The two singers play off each other beautifully as they sing of "the old whorehouse were we used to live".

"Persephone Rising" is very pretty and sad. The strings are used sparingly and with great care.

It's a rare album that is as unusual as it's brilliant.

Posted on October 5, 2002