Brian Barron – Not The Rare Auld Times (2024)
Singer-songwriter Brian Barron hit our radar in 2021 with his track ‘Junkie Boy, which we were honoured enough to discuss with Barron in a quick interview. Yet, while this hit was our first taste of Barron, he already had an international following coming up through the ranks of the 2017 International Bar open mic scene. A confident live presence melded with charming, thoughtful melodies, Irish artist Barron shared the stage with the likes of Fontaines DC, Phelim Drew and Cronin. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Not The Rare Auld Times’.
Following the critically acclaimed track ‘Junkie Boy’, ‘Not The Rare Auld Times’ is Brian Barron’s first release in three years. For me, ‘Not The Rare Auld Times’ is a mystical saunter through old-school Irish folk. Like those songs of Irish folklore, the single screams traditionalism, yet even with the old-school sounds a slight waiver of modern-day indie-folk rummages in the background. Not only is there a merging of old and new, but the arrangement is a delicate fusion of classical and rawness within the retro meets familiar music.
Joined by Martina Gonsenicova (violin) and Ajo Gonsenicova (upright bass and accordion), an obscure haze of strings lingers in ‘Not The Rare Auld Times’. Vulnerability and eclectic fragility shine through with the warm accordion and Barron’s tender guitar. Recorded and produced with Khaled Dahlstrom and Liam O’Dowd, the song has sophistication in its arrangement; however, and this duality appears several times over in ‘Not The Rare Auld Times’, delicate whimsy and youthful innocence can be heard.
The melody is intriguing, complex and kaleidoscopic – so much so that you find yourself lost in its multi-coloured haze of music. For me, the intricacy of the track is enjoyable, but Barron’s gruff vocals enhance its simultaneous grit and soothing warmth. Reminiscent of those Irish lullabies passed from generation to generation, ‘Not The Rare Auld Times’ is a song that will be cherished for years to come.
Find out more about Brian Barron on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more folk music on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist:
