SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MONIQUE BARRY – HAAK

MONIQUE BARRY
HAAK
INDEPENDENT

HAAK is the fifth album from Toronto-based singer, songwriter and keyboardist, Monique Barry. It is her first full album release since 2013’s Wake, and while it took an unexpected seven years to complete, it has been worth the wait.

HAAK, which is an acronym for ‘High As A Kite’, is an expansive collection which covers a lot of stylistic bases. In fact, it may be unfair to refer to the tracks on this album as simply being songs. These works are sonic soundscapes which, while they can be melodically simple, are deeply layered and aurally interesting.

In many cases, Barry’s music and lyrics are elevated and expanded through dynamics and hypnotic, meditative repetition. In a song such as “Freedom”, the simplicity of the lyrics’ message is propelled by the drive and drone of the instrumentation, and the mantra-like vocals. Here and elsewhere, the listener gets drawn into the rhythm, the music, and the frank beauty of Barry’s vocal delivery.

Throughout HAAK, Barry moves easily from pieces which are artfully esoteric, to those which are more accessibly pop-oriented. Variety is found in rhythmically-driven songs such as “New Eyes” or “Dance”, and others, like “Time” and “Courage”, which display a more traditional songwriting style. Special mention should be made of Barry’s clear, wistful vocal on “Lake Shanty”, as well as the overall driving pop groove of “Courage”.

The artist is well-supported on this album by collaborators, including drummer and co-producer Michael Wojewoda (who also mixed the album). Additionally, the project is buoyed by the performances of bassist Alisdair Jones, guitarists Marc Meriläinen and Kevin Lacroix, and backing vocalist Emma Campbell.

HAAK is not simply something that one listens to, it is something to be experienced. To hear it is to get a glimpse into the mind of Monique Barry, and how her life experiences and observations – from the mundane to the extraordinary – are reflected in her art. This album is an auditory treat that you need to hear.

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