Here's what radio has had to say about INLAND & OTHERWISE and/or various songs from the CD that have appeared on many compilation Cds with The Barnacles' radio promoter Sheheshe Music Services:
"Great album, at the top of the list for airplay"
Heavy rotation - KEOS 89.1 College station, TX
"Fantastic CD from your artist. Receiving Heavy Airplay."
"Very Very Impressed let me say. The Talent is Outstanding"
WSAM 106.3 New Britain, CT
"Went out the day we received it! Great CD"
Medium rotation
WOMR 92.1 Provincetown, MA
"DJs all look for the CD to play"
Medium rotation
KVNF 90.9 Paonia, CO
"You have such amazing stuff on your comps!"
WTCC 90.7 Springfield, MA
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Review: rambles.net by Sarah Meador for Rambles Sometimes I feel like I'm writing a review too late. Much too late. Forty years too late. The Barnacles' Inland & Otherwise has me convinced I've missed a fairly crucial moment somewhere, for disguised by packaging that has evidently been faded by the rigors of a time travel is a collection of rock 'n' roll, blues and folk-pop tunes that just missed their moment in the sun sometime well before my arrival on the scene. Never mind the 2003 copyright or the relative youth of Brain Olen Spencer, Randy Belt and Kevin Hartman. Much of the album sounds like it was pulled, screaming and dancing, from a stage in the 1960s. The opening "Third Degree Burn" is less of a retro homage than a retro revitalization, with shiny guitar work and sweet harmonizing that hasn't been in favor since the Beach Boys. "Arizona Tonight" continues the rock 'n' roll feel, powered by an excellent rhythm section. "Eden Avenue" walks along with a mellow, relaxed guitar sound that hasn't been popular since punk busting drum machines. On first listen, this album is not only retro, it's disturbingly bright. But even in their brighter songs, the Barnacles sing with a certain solemnity that keeps their songs from the realms of simple pop-rock. There's a stark undercurrent running along Inland & Otherwise, and it becomes chilling when given full voice. "Radio" features a haunting, static-faded chorus that turns a bit of nostalgia into a ghost song. "Constellation" moves away from the guitar reliant tunes that dominate the album, with mandolin and zithimer becoming audible influences in an upsetting, angsty ode to isolation. The display of their more serious side is brief but effective. By the time the album turns to its light side, even the dance party blast of "She's Fine" can't erase the knowledge that something deeper lurks in these waters. The Barnacles' distinctive sound is reliant on harmonizing, both instrumental and vocal. Spencer, Belt and Hartman seem to have an instinct for layering their performances without overwhelming any one sound, and the songs -- written by all three band members -- are clearly tailored to the group's strength, with repetitive, catchy tunes and many chances for varied harmonics. That flexible backbone gives them room to move from bright pop-rock to wailing harmonica blues, and gives body to even the lightest song. Inland & Otherwise isn't a perfect album. For all the excellent coordination, the Barnacles sometimes stumble ahead of themselves, delivering lyrics too quickly -- a shame, since any lyrics that can be heard are poetic and well metered. But this is a fine introduction to a band that would have been a smash sensation 40 years ago, and may yet find a good bit of fame today.
- Rambles
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Review: Inland & Otherwise
Playback: PLAYBYPLAY by Jim Dunn The Barnacles are a talented band. Their new self-produced CD, Inland & Otherwise, is their first full-length album. The disk, a flavorful mix of alt-country, pop, and rock, has several amazingly good songs. “She’s Fine” opens the CD and has an infectious beat that easily takes you over. “Radio” sounds like a classic alt-country song from the ’80s. The band boasts that all three members sing lead and each does, quite well. When they harmonize, as on “Tide Beckons Me” or “Third Degree Burn” they impress even more. The three—Brian Olen Spencer (guitars, vocals), Randy Belt (bass, vocals), and Kevin Hartman (guitars, vocals)—each have writing credits on the CD and each have songs that show a lot of promise. The album has a few dry points where you can hear that something is missing, either in the production or writing. But there is certainly a great deal more good on this disc than not so good. This CD is not Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by any stretch of the imagination; however, this band is capable of producing something great. Inland & Otherwise is a remarkable start toward that greatness.
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Review: Inland & Otherwise
Sheheshe Music Services
Angel Davis We recently received the latest album and it’s a winner! From the first track to the 11th, it will transport you to places you enjoy remembering, the beach, a trip up Pacific Coast Highway along the California coast on a sunny day, or your favorite chair in the yard, it will be a place you will love returning to in your mind. The writing is still excellent. One thing that The Barnacles has that is unique is three separate writers, each good in their own right, each with several tracks on this album. The album has a "Steve Miller Band" feel to it. I highly recommend this album! You will agree that there are many good reasons why The Barnacles made #1 on our Radio Chart two weeks in a row! (note: the promotion ended with 4 Weeks at #1)
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Review: IntoMusic Songwriting is back! The Barnacles create effortless rootsy folk/rock whilst always keeping their ear on the song in hand. Songs like Radio speak out about the current dearth of any good music being played on Radio Stations, some interesting vocal effects. Other songs like True are sparse with just vocals and an acoustic guitar for company and the odd ghostly wail of a harmonica in the background. Want it to be is a very good song, without trying too hard. Review by IntoMusic.co.uk
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Review: Kweevaks Tracks by Laura Turner Lynch THE BARNACLES – INLAND & OTHERWISE: Inland & Otherwise is the latest release from The Barnacles a talented trio who are joined by two guest drummers. Their varied influences include Wilco, REM and The Beatles. Randy Belt plays bass, keys, piano and percussion. Brian Olen Spencer strums mandolin, zithimer, acoustic and electric guitars. Kevin Hartman also plays electric and acoustic guitars. All three musicians write and sing. Their sound incorporates solos, two and three part harmonies set to compelling rhythms. The harmonies are a strong part of their unique energetic sound. Their style is a blend of rock, pop, alternative county, folk and retro. This eleven-track collection is self-produced and includes diverse arrangements. Their music is a cornucopia of imaginative sounds, crisp clear vocals and creative lyrics. 'Third Degree Burn' juxtaposes upbeat pop vocals with dark visual lyrics. It melds genres as the song opens with feisty instrumentation that has a country retro sound followed by a rock steady beat, solid guitars and dynamic vocal blends. 'Arizona Tonight' is a songscape of bright fluid harmonies and graceful guitars 'Constellation' includes stellar instrumentation including some nice guitar work. The song has an almost mystical feel with deep reflective vocals, beguiling beats and compelling lyrics. The Barnacles have created a flavorful blend of music that will stick with you! • Recommended Tracks: (1,2,6) [USA/IL 2003 - web] (Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
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Review: Backstage Pass
Fojimoto w/The Barnacles by Laura Hamlett Originally, San Francisco pop-rock trio Fojimoto were scheduled to open the night at Frederick’s. When we arrived shortly after 9:00, however, that had changed; instead, we were treated to local quartet the Barnacles first off. The three versatile frontmen traded lead vocals as often as they traded guitars (which was often—it sometimes looked like a musician’s version of hot potato there onstage). The Barnacles offered a solid set featuring material from last year’s self-released disc, Inland and Otherwise, as well as newer material. Many of the unrecorded songs were just as good as Inland if not stronger; particularly of note was a pretty song entitled “Undressing Beverly.” |
Review: from cdbaby.com
A High Tide of an Album I must say, these Barnacles are doing exceptionally well in this MidWest droughthole, distant from their maritime biosphere. They are no ordinary sea-faring creatures, mind you! ‘Inland & Otherwise‘, the most recent addition to their discography, brings in the substantial high tide, subduing the low tide of the musical craftsmanship that occupies the mainstream of today. For all of you Bubble-gum pop enthusiasts out there, there is hope for you yet. This album contains a delicate orchestration of tunes, with a large enough potpourri of Alternative Rock, Alternative Country, Folk and Pop rhythms to go around for any type of listener. With three songwriters working together to form a plethora of rich lyrics and harmonising vocals, their sophomore album is, without doubt, highly worthy of such praise.. ‘Want It to Be’ is a resonant tune that is presented with more simplicity in the technical work done. This creates a pleasurable balance with others as ‘Arizona Tonight,’ a song with intrinsic buoyancy and individuality in sound and feel. ‘Riviera’ and ‘Eden Avenue’ complete INLAND with fearlessly dynamic vocalisation and instrumentation by all four members who possess performance of such a high-calibre. I can only imagine what we have to look forward to in the coming of a third release from the Barnacles! |
Archive 1 of Past Reviews
(includes all those garageband.com reviews)
