5K

Brooklyn-based musician and producer Barrie Lindsay, known simply as Barrie, has a passion for creating left-of-centre pop music. She spends her days writing songs and tinkering in Logic, stockpiling her creations in a vast archive of folders and hard drives. When it came time to select the songs for her sophomore LP, Barbara, she narrowed it down to 16 tracks. As the record came together, it became clear that there would be two separate projects – the first being Barbara, an emotionally charged collection of songs dealing with the loss of a parent, the love of a new partner, and finding one's own identity. The remaining five tracks, which were more light-hearted and off the cuff, were compiled into a new project titled 5K. As an avid runner, Barrie named the EP after the common foot race. The aptly titled lead single, 'Races', is a delightful synth-pop track in a unique 12/8 time, built around a bombastic drum kit and giddy key riffs. 'Nocturne Interlude' acts as a segue between Barbara and 5K, showcasing a haunting melody amidst dark brass-like synths. Second half highlight 'Ghost World' has a distorted guitar riff and classic drum pattern that evokes a forgotten 90s radio b-side. The song was recorded entirely by Barrie herself, serving as her own band on guitar, bass, keys, and drum kit. Even though most people would finish listening to the project front to back before finishing a 5k run, the short, sweet, and melodically rich EP begs to be replayed over and over. With 5K, Barrie showcases her versatility as an artist, closing the loop between the sounds found on her debut LP Happy To Be Here and her follow-up Barbara.