Buenos Aires, Wednesday 25, September 2024
After a year filled with unexpected twists, Provo, Utah’s indie-folk quintet Michael Barrow & the Tourists is back — and they’re bringing a gritty, rock-infused punch with their latest single, “Over It.” The track marks their much-anticipated return to the scene, blending their signature lush folk sound with a newfound edge that’s sure to resonate with fans of early James Bay and The Killers’ Sam’s Town era.
Por Tina Sollosky
For those familiar with the band’s previous work, “Over It” feels both familiar and fresh. Known for their soulful folk-rock sound that has earned them comparisons to acts like Dawes and The Lumineers, Michael Barrow & the Tourists have expanded their sonic palette, infusing their acoustic-driven style with a dirtier, rockier vibe. The result? A thrilling, dust-kicked anthem that’s as catchy as it is cathartic.
The single, released on September 3, 2024, is the lead-off for their upcoming third studio album, HAPPY, slated for a 2025 release. While the track retains the organic textures and folk instrumentation that defined their earlier albums, it brings a raw energy that feels like a natural evolution for the band.
“The new single really represents a lot of what we’ve been wanting to explore musically,”
2023’s Unexpected Success: The Kiss Bet and “I See Stars”
Despite planning a break from music in 2023 after their national tour, the year proved anything but quiet for the band. They were tapped to compose the theme song for Season 4 of the wildly popular WEBTOON Original series The Kiss Bet. The result was “I See Stars,” a sweeping, romantic duet between Michael Barrow and indie pop sensation ysabelle, backed by a full orchestra.
The song's lush orchestration and heart-on-sleeve sentimentality struck a chord with fans, quickly surpassing a million streams online, especially finding success on YouTube. But while “I See Stars” captured the hearts of listeners with its dreamy, cinematic feel, it was something of a departure from the band’s usual sound — a sonic detour that wasn’t necessarily planned.
Back to Their Roots: “Over It”
With “Over It,” Michael Barrow & the Tourists are returning to the sound that put them on the map. The track builds on the rich folk influences that defined their earlier albums but amplifies them with a rock-driven intensity. Think pounding drums, crunchy guitars, and Barrow’s raspy, soul-inflected vocals — a combination that keeps one foot firmly planted in the dust-kissed folk tradition and the other charging ahead into rockier territory.
“The new single really represents a lot of what we’ve been wanting to explore musically,” says Barrow. “It’s got the organic folk elements that are central to who we are, but we wanted to push the envelope a bit, lean into the grittier side of things.”
The band’s lineup — Barrow on lead vocals and guitar, Zach Collier on keys, Mac Wright on lead guitar, Alessandro Improta on bass, and Reed Perkins on drums — brings a tight, cohesive energy to “Over It,” a result of years playing together and opening for acts like Ben Rector, The National Parks, and Sub Radio. With each member contributing to the band’s intricate yet accessible sound, it’s clear that Michael Barrow & the Tourists have only sharpened their skills since their last release.
What’s Next?
“Over It” sets the stage for what’s to come with HAPPY, their upcoming album, which promises to delve deeper into this new direction. The single hints at a broader, more ambitious sound, while maintaining the heartfelt, down-to-earth lyrics that fans have come to love.
As Michael Barrow & the Tourists gear up for the release of HAPPY in 2025, “Over It” serves as both a reintroduction and a promise. It’s a song that announces: we’re back, and we’ve got something to say — and it’s going to be loud, emotional, and unforgettably catchy.
For fans who’ve followed the band from their early days or for new listeners drawn in by their fresh, rock-forward sound, Michael Barrow & the Tourists’ return is one worth getting excited about. “Over It” is just the beginning of a new chapter — one that promises to be as dynamic and engaging as the band itself.