Baby Bulldog: Album Review

By Lesly Milan
Music Journalist

Artist: Baby Bulldog
Album: Baby Bulldog
Release Date: Jan. 3, 2019
Website: http://www.stephbarkerdrums.com

In an industry where music can sometimes become repetitive, Steph Barker brings something creative and new to the table with her Baby Bulldog solo project. This self-titled EP that Barker personally produced in her own home is the perfect combination of playful lyrics and plentiful drumming, something we definitely do not get enough of. To offer a better description, if Frankie Cosmos and John Bonham had ever gotten the chance to collaborate, Baby Bulldog would have been the result!

In Baby Bulldog’s self titled album, it is obvious that each song has been directly influenced by Barker’s full-time career as a drummer. Although drumming can often get lost in the background of music, Barker takes ownership of her talent and makes it the primary element in her compositions. Whether Barker incorporates sounds from a snare drum, bass drum or cymbals, her drumming definitely shapes every one of her songs. This extensive focus on drumming is what makes Baby Bulldog different from any other artists that are out there right now.

Another admirable characteristic in Baby Bulldog’s music is the echoing lyrics that occur throughout the songs. Every song on this EP transitions from Barker’s normal singing voice to her echoed singing voice. This special effect adds an almost psychedelic twist to each song which contributes to the different components that are already present.

This short and sweet album of 15 minutes is the perfect representation of quality over quantity. While there may only be five songs on this EP, Barker still made sure that each of her songs were uniquely different from one another.

Two songs that specifically stand out because of their individuality are “I Kno U Want Me” and “Do You,” the third and fifth songs on the EP. These songs are not only comprised of Barker’s signature drumming sound but they also include a variety of distorted electronic sounds. These sounds prove that Barker is not afraid to experiment with different elements while creating her music.

As for the three remaining songs,“I Rlly Rlly Like U” and “In the Morning” are more cheerful and perfect for jamming in the car. Their upbeat tunes and high-spirited lyrics are more than enough to get you on your feet. On the other hand, although the song “Why” stands alone as the mellow track on the album, it is still just as enjoyable as the other four. No matter which song gets played, the listener is in for a ride.

If Baby Bulldog proves anything it’s that Steph Barker’s years at the Berklee College of Music definitely paid off. Her distinctive sound has the potential to gain interest from hundreds of music fanatics everywhere. This may be Baby Bulldog’s first EP, but I don’t think this will be the last we’ll be hearing of this solo project.