Experimentation sparks creativity. When Colorado Country band The Barlow buckled down to write and record High Spirits, their follow-up to 2022’s New Year, Old Me, there were no constraints, no boundaries, and freedom to explore and create songs that endeavor to connect with people in a meaningful way.
“We tossed the rule book out on this record,” says Shea Boynton, The Barlow’s lead vocalist and guitarist. “Our goal was to create great songs, regardless of genre. This time around, we made a point to be more open to different sounds and approaches.”
That’s partly why High Spirits has such a laid-back vibe. Boynton, along with bandmates Ben Richter (drums), Jason Berner (bass), and Brad Johnson (guitar) – plus a little help from Craig Bennington (pedal steel, banjo) and Andy Schneider (keyboards) – crafted an album that flows effortlessly from one song to the next. With clean harmonies, catchy melodies, and solid heartland country-rock rhythms, these songs feel like a breath of fresh air.
High Spirits, set to drop on April 25th, was recorded in two sessions in 2023 and 2024 at Evergroove Studio in Evergreen, Colorado. It was produced by Bennington and the band, engineered by Athena Wilkinson and Brad Smalling at Evergroove, and mixed and mastered by Wes Sharon at 115 Recording in Norman, Oklahoma. Sharon is known for various projects with artists including The Turnpike Troubadours, Parker Millsap, John Fullbright, The Damn Quails, Byron Berline, and Mike McClure.
Three standout tracks from High Spirits are set to be released as singles in the coming months:
“High Spirits” – The title track (out TODAY on all digital service providers) has a foot-tapping, driving groove woven with harmonies and stinging electric and pedal steel guitar licks. There’s something instantly familiar about this tune, like an invigorating cross-country trek, with the radio cranked, and the windows down.
“It Ain’t Mine” – A haunting ballad with a lonely Western feel, this song paints a solitary scene, with a half-moon hanging low in the sky and a wandering cowboy adrift on the high plains. The weeping pedal steel sets the mood, with Boynton’s forlorn vocals striking the perfect emotional chord.
“Roping the Wind” – This song sits at the crossroads of Southern Rock and Traditional Country. With its tremolo guitar and galloping beat, you can almost feel the dust kicking up as you ride across the ranch. Like much of High Spirits, it’s subtle but packs a punch.
These three songs are indicative of The Barlow’s musical mission while recording High Spirits. The record is self-assured while remaining approachable. “It showcases our growth,” says Boynton.
“We’re always working to be better songwriters, better performers, and better musicians,” he adds. “We’ve learned that trying to chase ‘cool’ is pointless… by the time you get there, it’s gone. We unapologetically do things our way. We poured ourselves into these songs and we hope people connect with them.”
Since the release of New Year, Old Me, The Barlow, has steadily gained traction on stage and the road, building a loyal fanbase. They’ve shared the stage with acts like Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, and the Steel Woods, to name a few. They continue to play all over the Rocky Mountains and surrounding states picking up fans one gig at a time. Tour dates for 2025 are already booked through mid-May with more to come.
With High Spirits, The Barlow solidifies its reputation as a Colorado Country band, proving heartland authenticity comes from creativity and inspiration, not geographical location.
Connect with The Barlow on social media: Like the band’s Facebook page, follow the band’s Instagram page, subscribe to the band’s YouTube channel, and follow the band’s Spotify and Apple Music channels. Also, don’t forget to explore The Barlow’s websitefor more insight on four guys taking Americana to new heights.
The Barlow 2025 Tour:
Jan 3- Fisher’s Bar- Fraser, CO
Jan 4- Cruisers Bar- Grand Junction, CO
Jan 5- Schmiggity’s Live Music & Dance Bar- Steamboat Springs, CO
Jan 9- Aggie Theatre- Fort Collins, CO
Feb 6- Duffy’s Tavern- Lincoln, NE
Feb 7- Buck’s Bar and Grill- Waterloo, NE
Feb 8- Joe’s Honky Tonk- Kearney, NE
Feb 21 Fri- The Gaslight Social- Casper, WY
Feb 22- The Gaslight Social- Casper, WY
Mar 5- Blue Light- Lubbock, TX
Mar 6- The Lonesome Rose- San Antonio, TX
Mar 7- Sundown at Granada- Dallas, TX
Mar 8- The Western Horseman Club- Amarillo, TX
Apr 3-5- Million Dollar Cowboy Bar- Jackson, WY
May 15- Tailgate Tavern & Grill- Parker, CO
May 16- Buffalo Rose- Golden, CO
Jun 20- Grady’s 66 Pub- Yukon, OK
Jun 21- Lula’s Boom Boom Room- Canyon, TX
