When approaching ‘Stranger In The Barn’, the listening experience is playful, bright and uplifting. We are in Folk territories, although this is not your usual singer-songwriter acoustic effort. There’s much more in it: Ismay seems to embrace a wider artistry, relying on a colourful array of instruments and an engaging arrangement. The result is stunning, with ‘Stranger in the Barn’ being a positive, dancy and feel-good slice of Folk storytelling, further enriched by the Californian talent’s relatable and evocative vocals.
Produced by Andrew Marlin, known for his work with duo Mandolin Orange/Watchouse, the track anticipates a forthcoming album, ‘Desert Pavement’. If ‘Stranger in the Barn’ is any indication of what’s to come, we can safely say the album is going to be Mega.
Lyrically, the song echoes Ismay’s past, navigating the listeners through childhood memories of her family barn, a familiar place where once she encountered a stranger. A real-life event, it is here used as a wider allegory, linking it to the ability to embrace the unknown with kindness and an open heart. As Ismay explains: “The story is about taking down our walls, and rather than meeting the unknown with contempt and anger, instead offering curiosity.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Stranger in the Barn’ on Spotify and Youtube:
