Moo Magazine Online

Review found in the archived website for Moo Magazine.

KRISTEN BARRY

The Beginning. The Middle. The End.
Virgin Records

Kristen Barry offers up an eclectic blend of alternative and pop-oriented tunes on this CD. Comparisons are hard to make for Berry, but the most apt I have heard thus far is to P.J. Harvey. Imagine Harvey with a higher voice with songs typically more pop-oriented, and you will be picturing a close approximation of Kristen Barry's vibe. Not pop enough for Walmart, but not depressing enough for instant recognition.

The recording is clean, with impeccable musicianship, and Barry's memorable voice puts the finishing touches on a disc worth hearing. An interesting aspect of this disc is that it was recorded using Chris Ballew (Presidents of the United States of America) on bass. Barry has received little attention so far for her work, but perhaps this will let her continue to develop, relatively undisturbed by the limelight, until her next release. With any luck, Barry's next offering will crash through the riff raff currently blocking the airwaves, and earn her a well deserved place in pop culture.

My pick of the litter on the CD is the last track (#14), an unnamed bonus track that breaks out of the mold with an Appalachian style folk vibe that is quite unique for the alternative scene.

- Kevin Anderson