Brighton duo Barbara have traded in their paintbrushes for mic stands, and the result is a delightful splash of baroque-pop colour. Their latest single ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ is a quirky, catchy critique of modern life that’s as infectious as it is intelligent.
With a sound that’s part T-Rex, part Mika, and wholly their own, Barbara have crafted a sonic world that’s both familiar and fresh. Their music is a kaleidoscope of shimmering synths, bouncy basslines, and those classic, chord-driven melodies that worm their way into your brain and refuse to leave.
As the band themselves share: “We know that the cost of living and inflation really aren’t very sexy things to write a pop song about… But we like a challenge! And it seemed to us that given this is an issue so many people have faced in recent years – their money being worth less and struggling to get by no matter how hard they’ve worked or studied or saved or whatever it is – that we thought it would make for a relatable theme for a song. We love songs that tell stories, and so we have tried to do the same thing here; there’s a character in ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ who I think people might recognise, perhaps in themselves or in someone they know. It’s quite a sad story really, about someone who can’t help running out of money in spite of all their hard work.”
‘Property-Owning Democracy’ is a clever little number that tackles the thorny issue of financial strife with a wink and a nudge. It’s a pop song with a purpose, a tune that sticks its middle finger up at the cost of living crisis while still managing to be utterly danceable.
The Tydeman brothers have a knack for writing songs that are as clever as they are catchy, and their live shows are the stuff of legend. Having shared stages with the likes of Paul Weller and The Divine Comedy, they’re clearly in good company. With ‘Property-Owning Democracy’, Barbara are cementing their place as one of the most exciting acts on the indie scene.
You can also find ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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