Jennah Barry: "Young Men" (album review)

Coming out of the lush pop of The O'Darling, Nova Scotian Jennah Barry has released her debut full length solo album Young Men.  It's a record that incorporates elements of the band's sound, but shifts the focus towards Barry's enchanting vocals.

The lead single, "The Coast", sets the tone for the album.  A melodic thumping leads off before Barry's vocals set sail.  "Dead Give Away" threatens to be a tad too cutesy, but an infectious energy prevents that fate.



"Slow Dance" is a sweet, no-pressure twirl across the dancefloor.

Barry is at her most vulnerable on "Honey".  It's a simple, hushed, beautiful tune.  She takes us on another tender trip with the twinkling title track.  A measured methodically-paced wah wah takes control during "The Sheriff".

The harshest moment comes on "Mountie Mountie".  A dissonant guitar flutters through an otherwise introspective folk number.  Barry twangs things up a bit with the muddy "4x4".

Her fabulous voice notwithstanding, not every song on Young Men is memorable.  However, Barry has a presence that really has you rooting for her.

Best tracks: "Dead Give Away", "Honey"

Track listing for Young Men:

• The Coast
• Dead Give Away
• Black Hole
• The Sheriff
• 4x4
• Sweetheart
• Slow Dance
• Mountie Mountie
• To Be Patient
• Young Me

7.0/10