Johnny Barr – Remember To Breathe (2024)
If you take a quick gander at Johnny Barr’s Spotify, you’ll notice that he has only a couple of songs to his name – one of which will be reviewed below. Yet, despite the few notches shown there, singer-songwriter Barr is far from a newbie in the music scene. From playing with the six-piece collective Winter Springs where he supported artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys, Hozier, James Bay, Graeme Nash, Josh Record and many more, Barr is a skilled and confident live and studio artist. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Remember To Breathe’.
Known for a masterful understanding of intricate blending of “percussive guitar technique and fingerpicking…”, the Paisley-based musician intoxicates listeners with his melodies. Following the well-received debut single ‘Forgive & Forget’, ‘Remember To Breathe’ grabs listeners drifting along to the 70s and 80s rock scene. Lilting with folk-rock tinges, the track is a flood of powerful guitars, pounding drums and bold bass; however, despite the lighter folk-esque tinges, ‘Remember To Breathe’ is ultimately a mish of classic rock and hard rock. Interestingly, the rock-filled soundscape alters as the tune progresses.
From its initial softer tone, we are quickly drawn to a classic rock twirl before being tossed into a hard rock meets 90s alternative rock gruffness. Using this sonic tapestry, Barr showcases his innovation, eclecticism and ability to thread different musical eras together with delicate ease.
Confident and bold, but delicate and vulnerable; strong-willed and weighty, but peeking through the sound with subdued fragility – ‘Remember To Breathe’ oscillates between dark and light in its four minutes of music. Not only is there a melodic weaving of sounds and styles, but the lyrics embrace frustration and inner turmoil along with its strong message of resilience and empowerment.
Find out more about Johnny Barr on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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