Barry Burns – Everybody To Kenmure St – Album Review
by Killian Laher

Barry Burns is largely responsible for the keyboard side of Mogwai.  He has now released his first solo soundtrack album for the film Everybody To Kenmure St. It opens with a Lee Hazlewood cover, “Your Sweet Love,” a real Sunday-morning sound.  With vocals provided by Rachel Semanni and Alana Rae, it sounds almost otherworldly.  After this, Swivel settles the album into a dark, electronic, stately groove.

The music here is very much up to the standard of his band, with the glacial drift of Beluga impressing, while Los Geht’s is reminiscent of Les Revenants.  The preponderance of piano gives Amorgos a classical edge.  Kenmure Street features the gothic-sounding choir of the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, creating a sinister atmosphere.

The score is remarkably consistent.  Flooer is desperately moody while Keep Walking Forward is rather zen.  Towards the end, the electronic growl of This Current and particularly the final track Closer Than We Think are very much like Mogwai in their soundtrack mode.

Definitely one to check out for fans of Mogwai.

Your Sweet Love