In Conversation

02 December 2008 02:18 BST

Barringtone: 'Radio-friendly' is a meaningless term

While Clor seemed to spearhead an experimental movement in 2005, their collapse after one album seemed to herald the end of their exhililarating mix of synth, prog and pop.

But with new band Barringtone, former Clor frontman Barry Dobbin is back to his genre-smashing best, as evidenced by recent single Snake in the Grass.

inthenews.co.uk's Lewis Bazley talks to Barry about his new band, experimenting and myriad influences.

Hi Barry - so, what happened to Clor?

Clor were like an exotic desert shrub which flowers occasionally before returning to its dormant state – conditions must be absolutely perfect and environmental factors in complete alignment before any fruition occurs. Levels of soil acidity, humidity and hours of sunlight are crucial factors alongside fundamentals such as inter-planetary positioning and proximity to other organisms.

And what's the fundamental difference between Clor and Barringtone?

Barringtone is more of a hardy perennial – less skittish and temperamental - an evolutionary successor to Clor.

Is it fair to compare you to Zappa and Yes?

It might be unfair to Zappa and Yes.

I don't really see too many similarities but then I don't analyse what we do in that way. From the inside it feels quite different.

It's not exactly radio-friendly - is that ok?

I never really listen to the radio and the term 'radio-friendly' strikes me as pretty meaningless so I guess it's ok.

Aren't structure and melody important?

They are the bedrock and absolutely paramount amongst our concerns when writing.

Why do you think no-one's really making this kind of music, other than Crystal Castles in terms of experimentation?

I think lots and lots of people are making excellent interesting and experimental music – much more than ever before.

On Thou Shalt Always Kill by Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Pip lists Syd Barrett as one of the artists whose names you shouldn't take in vain - there's definitely a hint of Syd Barrett in Barringtone's music but is he the only artist whose name you wouldn't you take in vain?

Do they have to be dead?

Brian Eno despite Coldplay, Sean Ryder, Mark E Smith, Old Dirty Bastard, Srephen Merritt, Jim O'Rourke, Will Oldham, Martin Kippenberger.

Which festivals can we see you at?

None this year I'm afraid.

While you might not have musical peers, who are you most enjoying listening to?

Animal Collective, Mirrior Mirror, Dj Edjotronic, Robyn also very excited about the new Deerhoof album

Lewis Bazley

Snake in the Grass is out now.