The debut release from the much hyped Welsh retro-rockers.

The best description that I can come up with is that Barker are a hybrid of

The Smiths and the Beach Boys, although that's quite dodgy as they have a very

fresh and unique sound.

Out of the four songs my personal fav is the melodic opener **'Fireside

Conversation’** with its soft jangly guitars, eccentric synthesizers,

bizarre samples, powerful drumming and catchy emotive lyrics. The lyrics are the

main reason why Barker will make it big, Luke Giles is a brilliant songwriter

and on 'Trecco Bay' he sings "don't be afraid, I've got a lot to

say" so we should be in for a few treats yet. They show they have no set

sound on the last two tracks as 'Wish You Where Here' is an energetic

rock song complete with shouting, brutal drumming and feedback while **'Ever

Loser Wins'** wouldn't feel out of place on a Smiths tribute CD. 

For more information on barker check out www.barker.pipz.com