(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines

Have you heard of Little Barrie? No? Well, that’s a shame, because you’re missing out on one of the most fascinating, underappreciated bands in contemporary music. Little Barrie isn’t just another rock band. They’re a revelation. In a time when mainstream music is flooded with cookie-cutter pop stars and auto-tuned mediocrity, Little Barrie stands as a bulwark of authenticity, a band that refuses to be confined by trends or labels. Let’s talk about them.

Little Barrie was formed in 2000 in Nottingham, England. Picture this: three guys, each with a relentless passion for music and a desire to bring back the essence of what rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be — raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic. The trio consists of Barrie Cadogan, a guitarist with a style so distinct that even the most casual listener can pick out his work from a lineup. Then there's Lewis Wharton on bass, who brings a thumping groove that’s as infectious as it is foundational. Finally, you have Virgil Howe, the drummer whose beats drive the band with a pulsating energy that demands attention. Sadly, Howe passed away in 2017, a tragic loss that only made the band more resilient, more determined to carry on.

In 2005, the trio released their debut album titled We Are Little Barrie. This album has 13 songs on it that include "Free Salute," "Burned Out," "Please Tell Me," "Well and Truly Done," "Long Hair," "Living in and Out of Place," and "Freeprise." This album was produced by the legendary Edwyn Collins and introduced them as the band that don’t just play; they grab you by the collar and demand your full attention. Little Barrie released their second album in 2007 titled Stand Your Ground. This album has 12 songs that include "Bailing Out," "Love You," "Green Eyed Fool," "Pretty Pictures," "Girls & Shoes," and "Middle City Troops." This is a record that feels like a rebellion against the formulaic music industry.

Little Barrie released their third album titled King Of The Waves in 2011. This album has 14 songs on it that include "Surf Hell," "How Come," "Now Were Nowhere," "Dream To Live," "Money In Paper," "Kotw-Bc109" and "Twisted Little Blades." In 2014, the band went on to release their next album titled Shadow. This album has 14 songs on it that include "Bonneville," "Fuzz Bomb," "De Seleckt," "Pauline," "It Don't Count," "Clone 24," and "Fuzz No 6." Next up was the trio's album titled Death Express in 2017. This album has 19 songs that include "Rejection," "Coper," "Golden Age," "You Won't Stop Us," "Count To Ten," "Death Express," and " Shoulders Up, Eyes Down." This album was a testament to their resilience and creativity.

In 2020, the band released their Album titled Quatermass Seven. This album has 7 songs on that include "Rest In Blue," "You're Only You," "Steal Drum," and "Repeater #!." The trio released a Soundtrack for Year Of The Dog. A few songs from this soundtrack are "Kundra," "Dogs On The Streets," "Get Dorling," "Lockdown," and "Coming Back." What an amazing accomplishment!" Also, in 2022, they released a 7 song album titled Quatermass Expansion. Tracks from this include "Rest In Blue," "Steel Drums," "T.R.A B.S.," and "After After." They went on to release their latest album in 2024 titled Instafuzz. This album has 12 songs on it that include "Green Means Go," "Slippery When Chet," "Tin Wolf," "A Guy Called Harold," and "22 Years I Worked for this guitar." This album was released in January 2024 and has been well received by their fanbase.

Let’s not forget that Little Barrie also provided the theme song for Better Call Saul, the hugely popular spinoff of Breaking Bad. That track, a short, blistering surf-rock instrumental, has become iconic in its own right. But again, they’re not shouting it from the rooftops. Why? Because they’re too busy making music that matters. So, why does all this matter? Because Little Barrie is a band that represents everything that’s right about music today. They’re not chasing trends. They’re not bowing to the pressures of the market. They’re just three — now two — incredibly talented musicians who care about the music they make. And if you’re tired of the same old recycled pop tunes, maybe it’s time to give Little Barrie a listen.

In a world where so much of what we consume is manufactured, Little Barrie is a reminder that real art still exists. It’s out there, waiting to be discovered. So why haven’t you heard of them? Maybe it’s time to start paying attention to what really matters in music.

Stay tuned to Soundwave Music Media for what's to come!

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