Customer Reviews

Absolutes

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First off, I'm not the type of person who rants and raves about albums too often. However, this album just might be the best I've heard in quite a while. For those of you who like to "discover" bands before they become popular, keep an eye on Barcelona. Soon you will be the indie insider who "listened to these guys before they were even a band." Give a listen to their album and you will discover a band that has yet to be "discovered."

Barcelona plays piano/guitar driven rock that is truly beautiful. Their alternative rock sound { "It's About Time" and "Stars" are stand-out tracks} incorporates intricate rythyms and massive guitars that set them apart from a market saturated by twenty-and-thirty-something alternative rock bands. In addition to this, they mix in just the right number of slow, string-accompanied, falsetto-driven songs to carry the album to the next level. Tracks like "First Floor People," "Get Up, Get Up, Get Up," and "Please Don't Go" showcase Brian's outstanding voice and will make you second-guess that this is their debut album. You are left with the feeling that these guys know how to make good music, period. They incorporate musical elements from many bands yet don't sound lie any in particular. From beginning to end, this album will take you on a journey that you won't want to end. I wish I had another chance to listen to it for the very first time.

I know that there are countless CD's realeased every day, but it would be well worth your time to check this one out. This CD is just too good for you to ignore.

I am one of the people who bought the original Absolutes (released 9/07) and literally listened to the album until the disc wore out. While I was excited for this iteration, I expected simply a tweaked-up version of the original. Wow, were my expectations blown! If you are in the same boat and have bought-and-loved the original version, it is well worth checking Absolutes 2.0 out.

Absolutes is a transcendent listening experience from start to finish. The sound is clean, honest and ruminative. Barcelona's piano driven melodies and earnest lyrics incite an emotional and cerebral connection to the music. This release was remixed by three time Grammy winner Michael H. Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer), and now the songs masterfully ride the fence of raw and refined in a way that will give you chills down your spine. The arrangements are natural and thoughtfully created in a way that allow Brian Fennell (Vocals, Piano), Rhett Stonelake (Drums) and Chris Bristol (Guitar) to shine as individual contributors yet radiate as a group. It's apparent that these college friends love creating music, as every key of the piano, tap of a cymbal and strum of the guitar is done so with intention, skill, and spirit.

While Barcelona is receiving raving reviews and is creating fans around the world, Absolutes could have been released 50 years ago to acclaim. It is timeless, reflective and without question worth checking out. I give Absolutes my highest recommendation and insist you experience it, too!
[...]

Similar artists: Coldplay, Keane, The Fray, Jack's Mannequin, Death Cab for Cutie.

I love Barcelona, but found that I far prefer the original 2007 release to the remixed tracks. In my opinion the new mixes don't capture the drive and energy of the songs like the original did.

Of course the new tracks that are only on this album are great and I would for sure recommend either buying both or listening to both and then purchasing the tracks not on the other album.

There is not a single weak song. This is the album Keane should have followed Hopes & Fears with. Instead they fell flat. Outstanding tracks are Numb and Falling Out Of Trees.

Barcelona blur the border between indie and stadium rock by keeping their songs simple yet interestingly arranged. I can listen to this 100 times.

[DW]

This album is stellar from the beginning to the end. If you dig The Fray, Coldplay, Keane you will love this band. This band finally got signed to a major label (Universal). They should have been signed before this album got released. There music has already been on the mtv show "the hills". This band is gonna be all over the place real soon. "It's about time" should be there first single next to "colors" being there next if they put these 2 songs on the major label release. If you want a listenable album with great choruses and great lyrics this is your album.

Barcelona is one of the most talented bands I've ever heard. It's really sad how unknown they are. I wish more people would listen to them.There is not one song that I don't like on the entire CD. I would recommend this album to anyone and everyone(who likes good honest music and not pop crap).

this is an allround great listening CD
many moods and listening styles
then finishes with the haunting beauty of "please don't go"
masterpiece.
Thank You and Goodnight Australia.

This is a fantastic album. I put off getting it for some time because I thought the songs seemed slow and boring in the 30 second clips here. But then I got a chance to hear the whole album from end to end and the second it was over I bought a copy for myself. It may be one of the best albums I've ever purchased. The songs do take their time, so if that bothers you then this may not be a good fit, but that pace has a way of making the music so powerful when it peaks, even though its not hard or fast. Its just wonderful sound that wraps you up and takes you with it. I almost feel like its alive some how and it really is an experience. At least it was for me. My Favorites are "Falling out of trees," "First floor people," and "please don't go."

Just a fantastic album for anyone looking for haunting, emotionally powerful music that is real and heart felt.

I can't help it, I just have to say one more time that it is fantastic.

I am extremely picky when it comes to music, I guess because I come from a musical family. I can't stand about 90% of the songs on the radio because most of them lack creativity and on top of that are overplayed, so I've been looking for something new. I'm a very careful buyer with music also - I want to be 100% positive that I'm going to be satisfied with my purchase, so I take my time before buying anything. I bought this album two days ago and I love it! These guys are legit. It's always very refreshing to find new music that I enjoy. I absolutely recommend this album.

I bought this after having heard their music to a video on YouTube. The song Please Don't Go has such a great affect to it. I'm not sure how to explain it, but once you hear the song yourself in entirety, you will know what I mean. The sample version on here doesn't do it justice.