Watch: Jef Barbara “About Singers” (exclusive)

17 Sep 2013 — Henning Lahmann

"About Singers" is an appropriately baroque and lavish introduction to Montréal-based singer Jef Barbara's forthcoming album, Soft to the Touch. Integrating classy elements of outspoken, unashamed glam rock, Barbara's pretty, gently melancholic croon is brought to the fore where it may shine, though the subject matter may come across as rather hopeless: 'But a few years from now / They won't be remembered', "About Singers" closes, quite a bleak statement to start an album with. The song's visual realisation doesn't mess around either. From its retro text overlays to the shooting's analogue feel and mildly drugged-out effects, everything's there that might make you roll your eyes upon first encounter. But a closer look reveals that this here is so much more than merely clichéed, much maligned shtick; this is genuine passion.

Soft to the Touch is out October 1 on Club Roll Music. The About Singers single is out now, with a Laetitia Sadier duet on the flip. Stream both tracks over here.