Barnum’s Freak – Doubt (2023)
Described as “a mesmerising musical journey…” (Less Than 1000 Followers) and “prog, rock and avant-garde come together…” (Edgar Allan Poets), Italian group Barnum’s Freak can enchant audiences with their mystical melodies. While we might label Barnum’s Freak as progressive rock or art rock, the trio is not a one-trick pony and should not be pigeon-holed. Formed approximately a decade ago, Sergio Vassetti (keyboard), Salvatore Oroso (drums) and Massimiliano Romano (guitars) have shared eclectic music with the masses with a bold sentimentality and hard-hitting nature. Come with us as we delve into one of their well-received singles, ‘Doubt’.
The first release in 2023, ‘Doubt’ is not only their introduction to the new year but also the first single following a two-year break. Following the single ‘Darkness Between The Lights’, ‘Doubt’ fuses elements of prog-rock with electropop, post-punk and slivers of alternative rock dancing atop the melody. Despite the fact that none of the musicians can read music, ‘Doubt’ is an exquisite example of classical arrangements merging with contemporary tones in a sublime cinematic soundscape.
As I mentioned, it is quite difficult to label Barnum’s Freak and, honestly, it is near impossible to get a good grasp of where the lads fall in the musical spectrum. In just under six minutes, we hear movements from modern-day electronica infused with old-school classic rock belying a new age soundtrack with some alternative rock and nostalgic pop edgings. All in all, ‘Doubt’ is a platter of musical styles and sensibilities with one thing running through it all – the obscurity and elegant versatility of Barnum’s Freak.
Taken from their debut album revolution loading, ‘Doubt’ Was recorded at SMILE RECORD in Naples using a combination of analogue and digital instrumentation. Interestingly enough, while a line between electronic and organic can be found amidst the creative chaos, it is the whirl of sound that sends audiences drifting on a sonic river searching for meaning in the anthemic tune.
For more from Barnum’s Freak, check out their Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
