Dive into Barry Can’t Swim’s new album ‘Loner’

Recommended Tracks: “Kimpton,” “All My Friends,” “Wandering Mt. Moon”
Artists You May Like: Fred Again, Nia Archives, Swimming Paul

Barry Can’t Swim releases his second album, Loner. This album has been described as a “personal” and “authentic expression,” pushing the boundaries of his sound. The 12-track project is a reflection of his life over the past year, going through the trials and tribulations of his newfound fame.

Barry Can’t Swim is the project of Joshua Mainnie, a producer and DJ from Edinburgh, Scotland. He was relatively unknown at the start of COVID-19, but has since cultivated a large and dedicated fan base through his captivating productions. Mainnie has garnered over 385 million official on-demand global streams as of June 26, according to Luminate, and earned a Mercury Prize nomination for his 2023 debut album, When Will We Land.

Loner opens with a billowing track called ‘The Person You’d Like To Be.’ It sounds like it could’ve played during a dream sequence in a late-’90s drama. Next comes ‘Different,’ a track reminiscent of U.K. garage, featuring police-siren-like synthesizers panning back and forth throughout. Mainnie mentioned that Loner is not to follow the same path as its predecessor, as it dives more into the weirder, left-sided parts of its sound.

“Kimpton” is a collaboration with O’Flynn. The tune features a rhythmic drumbeat paired with a bouncing piano melody. The track’s subtle build-up and restrained energy give it an emotional weight without overwhelming, making “Kimpton” a perfect example of Barry Can’t Swim’s ability to balance danceable beats with heartfelt storytelling. As we go through the album, we listen to “About To Begin,” a bumping party track that makes you instantly want to get up and move. With its driving bass line, shimmering synths, and pulsating rhythm, the track immediately invites movement.

“All Of My Friends” and “Childhood” both have a sense of nostalgia. The tracks are warm, but they have a fleeting happiness to them. They capture moments that feel both comforting and bittersweet, reflecting on connections and memories that are cherished yet inevitably change over time. The gentle melodies and layered textures evoke a longing for simpler days, while subtle emotional undertones remind listeners of the passage of time and the complexity of growing up. Together, these songs add a reflective, heartfelt dimension to the album.

“Cars Pass By Like Childhood Sweethearts” carries the same nostalgic vibe, blending wistfulness with a quiet sense of longing. The lyrics are straightforward, singing “why’d she have to leave me.” The gentle, flowing instrumentation supports the vulnerability in the vocals, creating a bittersweet mood that lingers. It’s a tender reflection on love and separation, perfectly capturing those moments when past happiness fades into memory.

The album concludes with “Wandering Mt. Moon,” a tender track enriched by moving strings that evokes the feeling of a cinematic soundtrack. The track evokes a sense of quiet exploration, as if wandering through a mysterious, otherworldly landscape. It is both contemplative and immersive, showcasing his talent for crafting evocative soundscapes that linger long after the song ends.

Overall, Loner is a compelling journey through introspection, nostalgia, and vibrant energy. Barry Can’t Swim masterfully blends dance beats with deep, personal storytelling, creating an album that feels both intimate and expansive. He made sure to keep it authentic, and the album itself has its flair of eccentric sound. With its mix of upbeat anthems and reflective moments, Loner invites listeners to move, feel, and reflect. It’s a confident and nuanced follow-up that solidifies Mainnie’s place as a distinctive voice in electronic music.