‘Burned’ is the new single by Tribes of Europe & Barbara Stretch, out 8th September 2023 via Integrity Records (INT 100) on digital and limited edition, hand numbered 7” lathe-cut black vinyl, marking a modest milestone as the 100th release for the label.
Barbara Stretch, former member of 70’s Pride pioneers Spoilsports (featured in Channel 4’s recent documentary – Freedom: 50 Years of Pride), delivers perhaps her finest vocal to date on this slow-burn space-pop psychodrama. Lead-Tribesman Martin comes out of the backroom to duet in the chorus, while the Ely Fallen Angels Choir led by Max Taylor add layers of sublime polyphony and Chris Taylor’s masterful mix smoulders and ignites in all the right places.
Tribes of Europe, the alter ego of Fenland-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Martin Elsey, are joined on ‘Burned’ by Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack, Chase & Status) on drums, Harry Bennett (Clor, Creepy Neighbour) on percussion, and Chris Taylor (Poison Girls, The Bays) on co-production duties amongst the resident chickens at the wonderful Bluebarn Studios in the Cambridge countryside.
Martin describes the thinking behind the new single:
“’Burned’ is about dealing with the consequences of bad decisions. Maybe you got in the wrong car with the wrong person; maybe you shared a secret you should have kept to yourself. You wake up to the fact that your safety net is gone, or maybe was never really there. Some received wisdom you grew up with is proved wrong. How do you deal with that? Can you come out the other end stronger for the experience?”
Previous singles by Tribes of Europe & Barbara Stretch have enjoyed national support on BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Ulster, BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction and various regional shows.
“An instantly catchy and uplifting retro-futuristic creation” – Get In Her Ears
“Unashamedly ‘60s but with a new twist” – Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music
“The whole goddamn super-group bring their A game on this one” – LWM
https://tribesofeurope.bandcamp.com/
