Sky Barbarick – “Gold Lens”
Photo by Sonali Ohrie
From Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Sky Barbarick debuts on the blog with “Gold Lens,” a song that grieves a former self while finding the courage to embrace a new one.
“Gold Lens” is doing everything right, starting with that time-tested, stripped-back, intimate folk sound that forms a vulnerable bridge to the listener. Barbarick's vocal performance begins with the press of the play button, carving an emotional path through a lone acoustic guitar. The vibe is warmly reminiscent of Cat Power, with moments akin to Brandi Carlile.
As the song unfolds, hints of banjo emerge alongside some to-die-for vocal harmonies that have inspired repeated listening sessions. A rhythm section falls into place, audible but not showy, providing momentum without steering the song away from its melancholic course.
For a song that begins on such a sparse plane of existence, the level of precision in the production as additional elements appear is next level. “Gold Lens” is meticulous and free-flowing all at once, allowing us to glance at the past and know with certainty that we are right where we’re supposed to be.