Matt Barber

Canadian folk-rocker Matt Barber has put out a new album, Ghost Notes, so now he’s doing what he does best: playing live shows… this time with his sister, Jill Barber, too!

Barber’s earlier work was a much more raw, acoustic rock. Listen to the songs “Morning Train” and “Timeless,” and you’ll hear finely crafted but still emotionally stripping tear-jerkers. His 2005 Sweet Nothing revealed Barber’s taking a turn for a more pop-rock sound. The single “Soft One” had instant commercial appeal with its early Bryan Adams sort of loose rocker feel.

Now, on Ghost Notes, we a hear a maturity in Barber’s voice and a refined mix of all the styles he’s dabbled in — folk, rock, pop, and even a little bit of country… but just a little. Barber’s sound on “And You Give” is still emotional, but it’s much calmer and cool — sophisticated folk-rock. He also seems to be influenced by his sister Jill’s bluegrass sound, evident on the honky-tonk-sounding “Settle My Accounts.” But as I said before, even though Barber dabbles in several musical styles on this album, nothing is overdone. Everything is a “taste.” And for those listening to Barber and waiting to be swooned by the angel-faced rocker, “Easily Bruised” should yield satisfaction.