Album of the Week #3
Quinton Barnes — As a Motherfucker
A freeing mix of ethereal electronica, experimental R&B, pop and hip-hop, Quinton Barnes’ latest album As a Motherfucker has already made it onto my favourites for 2021. Cropping up on my Twitter (in part due to Grimalkin’s excellent promotion), I was surprised by how much I resonated with this release.
As a Motherfucker is a fantastic showcase of just how Barnes’ is able to effortlessly weave genres, styles and sounds into something complex and enticing. At times it feels almost conceptual as if there is a message or a story for us to follow if we listen closely. Softer Than Thou and How I Feel play off each other in this respect, showing the conflicting feelings of avoiding love and affection, and hopelessly falling for it.
I think the core of this release revolves around introspection both for Barnes’ and the listener. I found myself relating a lot to the themes of identity, self-exploration, love and challenging masculinity. Harmony hits directly on these points quite literally posing the questions of “What’s it mean to be free if I’m chained to you. // What’s it mean to be a man if I ain’t made for this, I can’t handle it.” It is this vulnerability and exploration of conflicting questions and emotions that really sets Quinton Barnes apart.
The conversation between self-confidence and vulnerability directs much of the overall flow of this record. Opening with Kolibri, a broad, swelling track that reminds me of some of Purity Ring’s softer interludes, Barnes flits between hypnotic and harmonic songs such as How I Feel to the intense, moody Switch that drips with swagger and independence. This really accentuates the key moments in this release and provides another perspective in which to approach it.
In terms of the instrumentation, Barnes’ use of harmonies create an almost choral and celestial effect, that is backed by thumping 808s and triplet bass drums. The sparse use of bells and other higher sounds mixed with this reverbesque twang leaves a lasting metallic feel.
The Vocaloid laden feature on True and You adds an almost cybernetic tinge that is furthered by the bright, chippy synths on Visuuur-ei, that seeps the sound of this album in a smokey haze as if I’m relaxing in a neon nightclub underneath the city lights. The aural aesthetic of As a Motherfucker really adds to the themes it explores and surrounds the audience in a sexy, moody atmosphere.
As a Motherfucker is a record that is as much about letting go of things as its about taking what’s yours. Steeped in emotion, self-reflection and determination it is certainly a highlight of my year, as early as it is. Quinton Barnes demonstrates his ability to go beyond conventional genres to create an experimental, emotive and well-produced project that’s easy to get lost in, and helps you find yourself again.
Fav Tracks: Softer Than Thou, How I Feel, Visuuur-ei and Metallic
You can listen to the album on Bandcamp and Spotify
This is a weekly series I’m doing to help me think more critically about the music I listen to and get better at writing about it. These selections are suggestions from friends and random recommendations, with a focus on newer releases. Any and all feedback/suggestions/artists you want me to cover is welcome and appreciated!
