These New Puritans, Barbican Hall

A far cry from the indie rock outfit that they appear to be, These New Puritans are a striking and surprising band. They blend dark and epic electro-instrumental sounds to create a unique genre of their own, which they’ll be showcasing at a special gig at the Barbican in April. 

Their latest album, Field of Reeds, is their most ambitious to date, and will be the focus of this gig. The band will perform it in its entirety, along with Lost Chords – a collection of old and new works, reconfigured especially for the evening. If the band’s critically acclaimed Hidden Live concert in 2010 is anything to go by, you can expect another monumental show that takes orchestral musicality to new heights, marrying carefully crafted scores with sombre, often atonal vocals, haunting piano melodies, contemporary electro-beats and synth riffs. Ever eclectic, the band will also incorporate strings and percussion, courtesy of the Heritage Orchestra. 

Fronted by vocalist Jack Barnett, the band have already won critical acclaim from the music world. They’ve also made their mark on the world of fashion: back when Saint Laurent’s creative director, Hedi Slimane, was at Dior Homme, he commissioned Jack to create a soundtrack for his 2007 collection. Meanwhile, Jack’s brother George is the face of Burberry Brit Rhythm. With style imbued in their aesthetic, the band’s sound is every bit as sharp as their appearance. 

These New Puritans are best experienced live, and the vast walls of the Barbican will no doubt allow their artistry to resound at its daring, atmospheric best.