Barbara’s ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ Is A Whip-Smart Pop Song

Hove duo Barbara return with new single ‘Property-Owning Democracy’.

The south coast songwriting pairing – in reality brothers Henry and John Tydeman – blend early 70s AM radio thrills with baroque aspects, infusing these retro thrills with something dynamic and new. Excellent musicians – harmonies to die for – they’ve caught the ear of The Divine Comedy, and recently supported Paul Weller at an enormous Edinburgh Castle show.

Very much musician’s musicians, Barbara popped back in the studio recently, working with production boffin Paul Steel.

The results are out now, and sprinkle some fairy dust on top of the sibling’s ace songwriting. You can hear aspects of the Beach Boys in there, and maybe the Zombies, too; equally, though, there’s something modern, a willingness to flip the script.

Lyrically, ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ is a satirical view of British life right now, a cost of living ode that feels all-too-relatable. A witty, whip-smart song that would be funny if times weren’t so unremittingly bleak, it’s an inflation hymn born from the everyday fractures of the UK in 2024.

Barbara comment…

We know that the cost of living and inflation really aren’t very sexy things to write a pop song about… But we like a challenge! And it seemed to us that given this is an issue so many people have faced in recent years – their money being worth less and struggling to get by no matter how hard they’ve worked or studied or saved or whatever it is – that we thought it would make for a relatable theme for a song.

We love songs that tell stories, and so we have tried to do the same thing here; there’s a character in ‘Property-Owning Democracy’ who I think people might recognise, perhaps in themselves or in someone they know. It’s quite a sad story really, about someone who can’t help running out of money in spite of all their hard work.

Tune in now.

Photo Credit: @dka.demon