One of American’s hardest working frontmen is heading to the UK with his new band for a limited number of dates at the end of the month. Originally formed in 2006, BJ Barham’s band, American Aquarium, announced the dissolution of its former lineup in April of last year. Now with a new backing band, including lead guitarist Shane Boeker, drummer Joey Bybee, bassist Ben Hussey, and pedal-steel guitarist Adam Kurtz, American Aquarium will be promoting their superb new album, ‘Things Change,’ with shows in Bristol, Manchester and London.
Recorded and produced by John Fullbright over a fortnight last December at 3CG studios in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it’s an album that’s a howl of rage in the aftermath of the Trump election and a discourse on the state of American politics and society. Fullbright also contributed to the album playing clarinet, piano, guitar, Mellotron, and providing vocal support.
The album is unquestionably BJ Barham’s strongest and most consistent set of songs to date. Americana-UK’s own Mark Johnson said of ‘Things Change’: “All ten tracks stand up as individual compositions with no filler. Producer John Fullbright enables clarity in each track to let the words come to the fore, but with superb musical arrangements, and strong distinction between song styles. It’s obvious that a talented new band has formed, especially the gorgeous pedal steel touches.”
American Aquarium have the following tour dates. Be sure to try and get in early to catch support act, Anthony D’Amato, who’s bound to perform his excellent new single, ‘The Oyster and the Pearl’:
Dates:
WED 30 OCT – Louisiana, Bristol
THUR 31 OCT – Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
FRI 01 NOV – Borderline, London
‘Things Change’ is out on New West Records
