Unfixed, by Barker

Unfixed

by Barker

supported by

demegy unflavoured and yet clearly with a barker touch. wonderful tracks for quietly in the background or torn up on the floor. Favorite track: Birmingham Screwdriver.

Glides A constant source of audio amazement. One of the true innovators going currently, along with the likes of Skee Mask. A less difficult Autechre for the current generation.

more...

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$7 USD or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Includes unlimited streaming of Unfixed via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 7 days

Purchasable with gift card

$20 USD or more
LP (clear)
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Includes unlimited streaming of Unfixed via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Sold Out

1.	Birmingham Screwdriver 04:27	buy track
2.	Wick and Wax 09:09	buy track
3.	Golden Hammer 04:23	buy track
4.	Percussive Maintenance 08:31	buy track

about

Sam Barker returns with his first solo EP since 2020’s BARKER002, this time on Oslo’s Smalltown Supersound. While Barker’s previous releases (2018’s Debiasing EP, 2019’s Utility LP) explored the possibilities of kickless dancefloor tracks, Unfixed sees him inverting the musical equation and exploring both the variability and sonic possibilities of a kick-drum – though the final result is not a concept EP.

The four tracks emerged from a session that started out as both a technical study in bass drum design and cognition, specifically problem of “functional fixedness”, which describes a mental block that restricts the use of an object to its traditional application. Exploring the so-called “generic parts technique”, whereby an object is broken down into its component parts to help reveal novel solutions, the typical bass drum elements of waveform, transient, and noise were re-combined through modular synthesis to become fluid, expressive and dynamic.

However, what began as a rule-based experiment was overtaken by a more organic music making process without specific conceptual constraints, which allowed the music to live and breathe. Tracks were started and then left unfinished, only to be approached again and again over lengthy intervals. Stylistically the result a mix of raw, stuttering, psychedelic growl, kosmische techno, and infinite iterations and of a single groove. In this regard, Unfixed sees Barker not only deeply invested in musical experimentation but also exploring his own biases in both composition and sound design. The result is, once again, a sound and musical framework all of his own.

credits

released August 25, 2023

Written and produced by Sam Barker
Mastered by Stefan Betke at Scape Mastering, Berlin
Cover art by Kim Hiorthøy

license

about

Barker Berlin, Germany

shows

Jun 28

Paradise City Festival

Brussels, Belgium

discography

Unfixed

Aug 2023
BARKER002

May 2021
Utility

Sep 2019
BARKER001

Jun 2019
Debiasing

Jun 2018

contact / help

Contact Barker

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Barker, you may also like:

ITLP09 - Pool
by Skee Mask

supported by 164 fans who also own “Unfixed”

just absolute braintickling soundscapes. love it! limecrabbe
go to album
A
by Skee Mask

supported by 117 fans who also own “Unfixed”

Thanks for all these gifts <3 Peace of pieces Max Saladino
go to album
B
by Skee Mask

supported by 111 fans who also own “Unfixed”

truly amazing piece of art madeooh
go to album
Spiro World
by Time Wharp

featured on Bandcamp Radio Aug 23, 2022
go to album
Sustained
by nihiti

Three gorgeously brooding, atmospheric, expansive longform electronic pieces from Nihiti. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 5, 2022
go to album
Signaling
by Jeff Stadelman

On his latest LP, Buffalo, NY artist Jeff Stadelman creates rippling electronic compositions that crackle and weave. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 27, 2021
go to album
ISS009 - ISS009
by Skee Mask

supported by 95 fans who also own “Unfixed”

Skee Mask apparently can’t miss - 4 superb tracks with ample vibe variation chrisgravy
go to album