1. The Powerful Vocals

Barns Courtney has an outstanding vocal performance that is one of the main driving forces of his music. All his songs show the huge leap from deep and high vocals (even without the distorted parts). Specifically, “Hollow” and “The Kids are Alright” show that vocal range.

• Instrumentation (Specifically Guitar)

While many sources say that his subgenres are folk pop and blues rock, the instrumentation seems to have a different vibe. Yes, I can agree that there is folk influence. Yes, blues rock seems like a semi appropriate title. Now, folk pop… The energy from the guitar does not give me folk pop. The guitar and just instrumentation in general are way too hard for that! “Cannonball” is the only one that sounds a little pop, but every other song has more substance to the sound. I have said it before, and I will say it again: Barns Courtney’s music is the perfect example of alternative rock.

• Lyrics

Passionate and meaningful lyrics makes a mediocre song into a great song. While I think this album has not a single song that falls behind and is lacking perfection, the lyrics are the core of any song. The lyrics in songs like “99” and “You and I” are very directed toward a younger audience. Honestly, a huge number are directed toward people who have been growing up with the huge boom in technology. That’s probably why the album is called 404. The mood of the album is being stuck on the 404-error screen.

404 – Barns Courtney Track List:

1. Hollow
2. You And I
3. “99”
4. London Girls
5. Fun Never Ends
6. Boy Like Me
7. The Kids Are Alright
8. Castaway
9. Babylon
10. Cannonball

by Haley Isom