“It’s About Time”
from the album Absolutes
2007
iTunes
Not many bands are described as a mix between Sigur Rós, an experimental post rock band, and George Michael, a pop singer, but that’s how Seattle-based band Barcelona was described by Seattle Weekly.
“We don’t mind it, those are bands we like and respect,” guitarist Chris Bristol said. What they don’t like, however, is being described as having a similar sound to Coldplay and The Fray. “Those are the bands other bands rip off,” Bristol said. “You can’t rip off Sigur Rós, they’re too creative.”
The members of Barcelona describe their sound as melodic piano pop rock. Not all of their songs feature a piano, but the songs that do have a distinct sound different from many other bands that could be described as pop-rock.
The band’s live music sounds somewhat different from their debut CD, Absolutes. The band members chalk this up to the atmosphere of the live shows. “When you’re playing live it’s a lot easier to share energy,” Bristol said. “It gives you a chance to open up more.”
Barcelona singer Brian Fennell attended Whitworth University in Spokane for two years, in 2001 and 2002, but transferred to Seattle Pacific University because he wanted to be closer to home. While he was there he met drummer Rhett Stonelake, and Bristol, who lived across the hall from each other. Barcelona started touring in late 2005, and have had nine or ten West Coast tours since then, Fennell said.
So far, the best part about touring has been going to shows and having people know the band’s music. “Going to towns we have never been to before, where we have no lateral support and having kids know songs is pretty out of control,” Stonelake said.