The Hannah Barberas - Fantastic Tales of the Sea

Released: 26 May 2023
Label: Spinout Nuggets/Subjangle/Gazer Tapes

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London Indie Pop band - The Hannah Barberas, return with a new album. It is full of catchy 80s inspired Jangly gems. 

The album opens with 'You're So?!' which is a short but sweet love song and a lot of fun. It is a highly quirky duet with the simplicity of Rock n Roll and hints of Punk.

Other highlights include 'Ugly Cry' which is more of a stripped back ballad, full of melancholy. Lyrically it is very heartfelt and about finding comfort in music. 'Party From Hell' brought to mind the 80s Jangle of Orange Juice.

'When You Were My Boyfriend' is the standout here. It is wonderfully innocent and twee, with a big anthemic chorus. The sound has hints of The Popguns. 'Fantastic Tales of The Sea' has some lovely vocal harmonies and superb guitar riffs. 'Happy Winter' is more traditional Folk/Americana sounding and has a timeless quality to it.

A highly enjoyable album and recommended Summer listening, especially for fans of 80s indie pop. 

The Hannah Barberas - Into The Wild

Released: 3 Apr 2020
Label: Subjangle/Spinout Nuggets/Gazer Tapes
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After a series of EPs, this is the much anticipated debut album from London indie pop band - The Hannah Barberas. Admittedly, I usually find this kind of music a bit too twee but this is a really enjoyable album which goes to prove they are one of the best purveyors of this genre. 

The album opens with the brilliant 'Breakout!' which is so energetic and catchy, with some superb harmonies. They have a raw DIY sound, reminiscent of C-86 indie.

'Our Girl is Gone' is an older song from a previous EP, which has fast guitars, and almost sounds a bit Punk. Again the vocal harmonies are prevalent in the chorus.

The standout song here, for me is 'What Are You Celebrating?' an angry protest song about Britain's obsession with the Monarchy. Lyrically it is superb - 'The Country's in a mess, but did you see her dress?' Lucy's almost deadpan vocals are perfect for it.

'Foreign Ways' tackles themes of immigration, and people being made to feel like they don't belong in a country they have lived and worked in for many years. It is quite sad, a reflection of the current state of the country with Brexit.

Other standout tracks include 'I Can't Go Outside' a brilliant pop song about anxiety. 'No Mystery' is another old one - a great love song with 60s vibes. 'Ted Wedding' is fun, with hints of 50s rock and roll.

This is a superb album, full of memorable melodies and quirky, clever lyrics. Highly recommended to all fans of the guitar pop genre.