'A Dark Murmuration of Words' Review: Emily Barker's album is a stunning ode to the romance between instruments
UK based singer-songwriter Emily Barker is set to drop her new album ‘A Dark Murmuration of Words’ on September 4. Barker previously released the album's first single 'Return Me' in June and the follow-up lyric video for 'The Woman Who Planted Trees' in July.
‘A Dark Murmuration of Words’ is the first studio album after Barker signed with Thirty Tigers and follows her third studio album 'Sweet Kind of Blue' which released in May last year. Barker's new LP is produced by Greg Freeman, who has had a hand in projects from the likes of renowned artists such as Portico Quartet, Peter Gabriel and Amy Winehouse. Additionally, the new album recruits an incredible set of musicians like Rob Pemberton (on drums, percussion, synth, backing vocals), Lukas Drinkwater (bass, guitars, backing vocals), Pete Roe (guitars, keys, backing vocals), Misha Law and Emily Hall (strings).
"‘A Dark Murmuration of Words’ searches for the invisible connections that shape a rapidly shifting modern world. Recorded at StudiOwz in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the album is a timely exploration of climate change, racism, sexism and myths of economic progress through the lens of what it means to return 'home'," describes a press release statement.
The album's opener and early single 'Return Me' is a tender caress of nostalgia and musical affection. A sense of sadness underlines its tone which is swept away by the brushing of the drums, the subtle acoustic riffing and sweetness of Barker's saccharine vocals with lyrics like, "Come with me to another land. Our skin can thin together hand in hand. I've been gone so long. Tell me will you come?"
The stunning track 'The Woman Who Planted Trees' is an instantaneous attention-gripper, drawing the minds of listeners to the deeper meanings of Barker's musical creativity. 'The Woman Who Planted Trees' swells in tension and lyrical storytelling and the result is a track that is nothing less than exquisite. The song was inspired by Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai, who founded The Green Belt Movement in order to reforest degraded land to provide food and empower women in her community.
Sonically, the album is a beautiful articulation for the romance of instruments. Like many of the LP's tracks, songs like 'Ordinary' weave between melodies and layers within the fractions of a few bars rather than let the song dip into a monotonous groove or loop. Barker and her team invoke (whether intentionally or unintentionally) a call for listeners to share in their passion for music-crafting and their love for their instruments is felt.
In songs like 'Where Have The Sparrows Gone' or 'Geography', the album shows its ability to use layers or instruments to a careful measure, with synth or keys that aren't excessive but, instead, accentuate the power and spirit of traditional folk instruments. The evening sunset that is the album closer, 'Sonogram', scales back as an incredible piano ballad and its appeal can be paralleled with a Sarah McLachlan song.
For those who enjoy rich folk music, ‘A Dark Murmuration of Words’ is a must-listen and we highly recommend it.