BARZIN

A project that began sometime in 1995, Barzin was a solo endeavor at its inception. Somewhere along the way, however, Barzin shed its solitary skin and introduced a wide array of characters into its sound. From amongst a rotating cast of musicians, who occasionally made appearances on recordings and at performances, three individuals slowly became a fixture of this project. The three characters in question are Mike Findlay, Suzanne Hancock, and Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers.) With the addition of these musicians the sound of the music has continued to remain true to the esthetics of quietness and minimalism. It still concerns itself with exploring the quiet side of pop.On 2003, Barzin released its self-titled debut album through the Montreal based label, Where Are My Records. The following year an E.P. titled Songs for Hinah, was released through the French based label, Hinah. And in 2006, the second full-length album titled "My Life In Rooms" was released in Canada through Weewerk records, and in Europe through Monotreme records.Barzin's second full-length album, entitled My Life In Rooms, walks a minimalist line between chamber pop, alt-country, and indie rock. While continuing the lush, introspective musical dialogue the band first created with its self-titled debut album of 2003, this collection of songs leans toward the melancholic writing of such bands as Tindersticks and Mojave 3. However, what sets this album apart is the way it blends sounds that have not normally been associated with this type of music. Barzin fuses instruments such as French horn, vibraphone, pedal steel, and a drum machine to create a unique, quiet music that is expansive and at times cinematic, while never losing its sense of intimacy or honesty. A confessional tone has always existed in Barzin's music, and this album focuses specifically on the subject of art, questioning whether a meaningful life can be achieved by devoting onself to making art. Recalling the dark romanticism of great lyricists such as Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, Barzin weaves a personal narrative rich with poetic sensibility.Barzin, Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers) and Suzanne Hancock were the central musicians on the album, while Don Kerr, Sandro Perri (Polmo Polpo), Tamara Williamson, Lewis Melville, and Matt Verta-Ray (Heavy Trash) all helped shape its remarkable sound. The lovely string arrangements were scored by Karen Graves (who also arranged Hayden's Skyscraper National Park). My Life In Rooms was recorded by Mitch Girio and Chris Stringer, over two years at locations as varied as a Southern Ontario farm, a NYC studio, and assorted office spaces and basements; the end result is an album that is both haunting and mesmerizing.UK-based label, Monotreme Records, will release "My Life In Rooms" in 2006 in Europe. Weewerk Records will be responsible for releasing the album in Canada.