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Barzin, My Life In Rooms

by Sarah Wagner
11/01/2006

Barzin, from Toronto, Canada, is a square peg in a round world. Barzin's sound has been labeled alt country, pop, indie, and folk, but it's hard to categorize because it incorporates aspects of many different genres. It's hard not to take note of their variation from radio monoculture. There's no radio station with programming that would safely include Barzin, which is refreshing.

Barzin's debut release, My Life in Rooms, is a melodic lullaby to any musically inclined ears. Throughout the record, there's a twang reminiscent of the sound effects that are played when tumbleweeds roll across the set in old westerns. One can only imagine falling asleep under on a chilly night in the desert under the stars. The music is transportive, a rare quality in the piles of records that fill most collections.

While Barzin members Mike Findlay, Suzanne Hancock, and Tony Dekker are the three main contributors to this album, a slew of other musicians played various roles in the project. With songs like "Acoustic Guitar Phase," "So Much Time To Call My Own," and "Let's Go Driving," Barzin constructed a relaxed collaboration where outside influences and players aren't tacked on like costume jewelry.

Barzin's first full-length album is well worth the price of admission. I've put it in my nomination stack for my year-end top ten list.