Album review: BARB - BARB

New Zealanders Liam Finn, EJ Barnes, Connan Mockasin, Lawrence Arabia and Seamus Ebbs have taken a break from their respective careers to form the side project BARB. Written and recorded in one month, their self-titled debut is an enjoyable albeit unpolished jam session.

BARB gets in the groove right away with “Leo.” It’s loose, lighthearted and sets the tone for much of the album. Despite clocking in at 48 minutes, the album blows by like an afternoon nap thanks to the band’s carefree style.

BARB to release debut album via Yep Roc Records

A new low-key supergroup has formed down in New Zealand called BARB, which features Liam Finn, Lawrence Arabia, Elija-Jane Barnes, Connan Mockasin and Seamus Ebbs. The band is preparing to release their self-titled debut album via Yep Roc Records out of Haw River, NC, on August 24.

Click below to download the the spacey little tune "Leo" from the album. Also check out a video of the band dancing to the song "Not a Bird," which is a fantastic little percussive pop tune.

Lawrence Arabia just released his new solo album Chant Darling via Bella Union in March. Check out the album review here. Finn and Barnes released their latest EP Champagne in Seashells via Yep Roc last September. Check out that review here.