Frankincense would like to share with you our new 5-song EP entitled “Barbara.” It was recorded by the band in Minneapolis and Alexandria, MN and mixed at Ecstattic Studio by Ali Jaafar of Hollow Boys.
Titled in a nod to the feminine version of the Greek word “barbaros,” meaning “foreign,” Frankincense aims for an unfamiliar sonic character by pitting warm fuzzy guitars against opposing stabbing-staccato guitars, with bass guitar runs playing peacemaker between the two while the drums attack areas of the sound field that the stringed instruments can’t reach…..or refuse to. 
The individual ingredients may seem at odds with each other at times, but they never quarrel to hold dominion; it’s just that great importance is given to evenly distribute the pieces of sonic ground. As stated by City Pages: “Frankincense is extremely talented when it comes to assembling a collage of noises and making them into a happy, restless scrapbook.” An obvious riff or melody is rare.
Where do lead singer Samantha Wenwoi’s vocals fit into this occasionally tense mix? Her unique melodies glue together her instrumental brethren’s insistent independence. Samantha pairs the instantly inviting vocal timbre of R& B style vocals with the powerfully unconventional melodies of singers like Bjork or Annie Clark of St Vincent. 
Lyrical themes are kept somewhat close to the vest. The initial listen won’t betray all messages, but over time lyrical hints surface: uncertainty and doubt; memories of things lost and possible; defiance and pride. A few literary links surface, with the title of lead off track “Sister Carrie” referring to the Theodore Dreiser novel of the same name, and “Puella” touching on Jungian psychology. No matter how cryptic Samantha’s lyrics can sometimes be, you’ll remain curious about her stories…..or if the stories are even her own. 
The band means to prevent you from settling too contently into that especially comfy living room chair while the “Barbara” EP plays, hopefully very loudly. Frankincense’s music demands an alert ear, like a much cooler version of a cheesy movie poster imploring the passerby to “expect the unexpected.” All flowery assessments aside, at its core the music of Frankincense strives to combine beauty with the fuzzy, distorted notes that first inspired audience members to throw up devil horns en masse.
