Words by Rachel June
Photos by Jody Hartley
Barry Can’t Swim has just released his latest album, Loner, a record that dives into spiritual themes, exploring growth, reality, pain, and hope. Released ahead of his grand tour across the UK and Europe, Loner is a journey in itself. ASBO caught Barry at All Points East on August 22, 2025, where his set confirmed what fans already know: Barry doesn’t just play music, he creates an atmosphere. He’ll be performing next at The Warehouse Project on November 21, which is now sold out! So if you get the chance to see him live, it all suddenly makes sense. Everything comes alive. [Details and tickets here.]
Barry Can’t Swim has a rare ability to draw his audience in and create a feeling you wish you could bottle. His shows are a feast for the eyes and ears: live violinists, unreal vocalists, and percussionists surround Barry’s enchanting piano. Blending jazz, electronic, and dance elements, his sound radiates an energy that’s impossible to ignore. There’s a spiritual light to his performance - a sense of joy and love that reminds us what it means to be human.
Loner marks a new chapter for Barry, something he hints at in the opening track The Person You’d Like to Be. It sets the tone for the album with darker melodies and sharp lyricism, interwoven with samples and spoken word that feel both raw and uplifting.
The next track, Different, lives up to its name - an intriguing mix of electronica and drums, underscored by an almost siren-like pulse, distorted vocals, and a low, mechanical growl.
Kimpton carries the energy of a beachside party, with Barry’s signature piano rippling through sun-drenched synths and carefree vocals. It’s a tropical dream you can’t help but dance to.
In Like It’s Part of the Dance, Barry samples Brandy’s 1994 classic I Wanna Be Down, twisting and layering the vocals through soothing electronic beats. The result is a dreamscape which is futuristic yet nostalgic, slowly building toward a euphoric, smile-inducing peak.
About to Begin feels cinematic, like a high-speed chase through a neon-lit city. The club-in-space sound design and electrifying drop make it a track that could keep any dance floor alive until sunrise.
Then there’s All My Friends, a standout spiritual moment. With nods to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, it radiates warmth and joy through soulful vocals, bright piano, and shimmering synths.
With Still Riding, we hear the Barry we know and love - pulsing beats, tropical melodies, and bass-heavy rhythms that lift and energise. His attention to detail in every electronic layer shines through, while his piano leads the track with signature confidence.
Finally, Childhood builds slowly before erupting in radiant energy. Hearing it live is a revelation - it feels almost like church, the crowd beaming and bathed in the light of music.
If you haven’t already, give Loner a spin. From start to finish, it’s a journey that’s well worth taking, each track revealing another layer of artistry and emotion. And if you get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it! The energy, the intimacy, and the subtle magic of the performance bring the album to life in a way recordings alone can’t capture. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Barry’s music, Loner promises an experience that lingers long after the last note fades.
