When you slip on an album by a Canberra band called The Barren Spinsters with a name like Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking, you have an inkling you’re in for a good time. But I didn’t quite expect the bluesy collection of songs set to delight my senses this week. I’ve been immersing myself in this album but the last week, and I’m not quite ready to come up for air.
These guys have such a great retro sound. I love the soulful backing vocals and driving drums in the explosive lead track “Hey Ruth,” a song which fondly remembers a former employee who dated TISM’s manager. The single “West of the Happiness” escaped my attention on its release but it’s so much fun with witty lyrics and a cool country-blues-rock flavour. “Step Down” feels like a classic cowboy ditty, but its words give it a subversive modern bent that’s irresistible. “Just the Way You Are” also flips our expectations in the best, bluesiest way possible.
Speaking of lyrics, these guys have a way with words. With a biting sense of humour and a strong sense of rebellion, make sure you play the album a few times to catch every turn of phrase. It’s so easy to get caught up in cool guitar licks and harmonicas, but those lyrics are undeniably clever.
Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking caught my attention early but didn’t let up, with standout songs right throughout. It’s the sort of album I’d play my dad to convince him people are still making good music. It’s got such an accessible sound underpinned by classic influences, from swamp rock to country to good old-fashioned blues. But it’s no mere carbon copy of what’s come before. There’s a delicious edge to their sound that makes The Barren Spinsters much more than a retro throwback.
Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking is out now. The Barren Spinsters are currently touring the album all around the country. Catch them at the following venues.
24 August 2019 – Capital Brewing Co., Canberra
8 September 2019 – Jamison Oval, Reclink Club, Canberra
4-6 October 2019 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2019 – The Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
18-20 October 2019 – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley
16 November 2019 – Healsville Music Festival, Healsville
22-24 November 2019 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliffe
Image used with permission from The Right Profile