You may not have heard of David Barbe before, but you have definitely heard his music. Barbe was the former leader of 80s punkers Mercyland, 90s act Buzz Hungry, and bassist for Bob Mould's power pop act Sugar. Additionally, he's produced Son Volt and Macha and written songs for k.d. lang and hobnobbed with Bill Doss. Curiously, Barbe's long resume did not warrant a solo album until this year's Comet Of The Season. It's worth the wait. Barbe is a musical chameleon and this album shows it. His work mostly revolves around slow guitar rock for this album, keeping a nice texture of minimal guitars and strumming throughout the disc. Here and there, he sprinkles synth-rock, alt-country, light folk and even a bit of jazz here and there to make the sound a bit more interesting. As good as Barbe's hooks are, Comet Of The Season is almost frustrating to listen to, mostly because of Barbe's inability to break out of the smooth sound he cultivates. Knowing the pummelling power he generated in Sugar, the listener expects him to rock out at some point. Barbe seems to know this and tends to tease the listener. The first song on the album, "Nickel A Minute", begins as a ball-busting blues rocker, but remains controlled throughout the track and never truly rocks out. Similarly, "Once In A While" sports some nice hard guitar work, but again remains in control. Barbe's vocal work with Sugar was always underrated (try "Where Diamonds Are Halos" from Sugar's Besides set). His voice is anothr fine instrument already adding to the texture of the album. It's a soft voice, but also capable of some power. But, Barbe again teases us, going raw for a track or two then reining it back in. Good album, but I'd still rather listen to Sugar. RECOMMENDED TRACKS: "Nickel A Minute", "Favorite Star", "Yr Out" - Steve Marlow, CFBX Radio, Kamloops, BC

By Steve Marlow
Jun 11, 2002