Western Bloc - Solitude for the Masses

Western Bloc

Solitude for the Masses
​self-released; 2022

3.9 out of 5

By Dan Weston
​

Solitude for the Masses is the fourth release from Western Bloc aka Barry James McCarthy. I’m familiar with his body of work and reviewed a number of his previous releases on Divide and Conquer. The artist explains he digs into more pop/soul/post-punk roots. I would say I would have picked up on that even without being told. 

The album opens with “The Ultrasonic” and this song in particular had strong post-punk vibes. It reminded me of Joy Division in a number of ways including the aesthetics. There's a number of great things on this song including the vocals and a very interesting use of synth on this chorus. This song was a strong start.

“The Heaviest Weight Is Love” which starts with what sounds like an 808 kit and lush guitar with electric piano. The vocals were great on this song and this song had the soul thing going on. It’s very ’70s based. 

“Falling” is next and starts with a bang. The song rips. I love the lead guitar fills on this song and the hook is memorable when he sings “When I’m falling.” The digital sounding horns work for the song.“The Grim Gram” was very cool. The song moves with a kinetic energy. I was picking on Brian Eno, David Bowie and Roxy music flavor. This song has a glam rock-like feeling I don’t hear too often. I loved it.

“Peace Pigs” has this low key funk to it. There are wah guitars that combine with what sounds like a synth bass as well the 808 kits. The chorus comes suddenly and pops when it does. “Solar Flare” sounds similar to the name. The synths are bright and the chorus shines with a positive and joyful sort of feeling.

I love a good ballad and “Always on the Outside” is exceptional. His vocal style thrives here and I feel a lot of emotion coming from his delivery. Again very David Bowie with a side of Brian Ferry.

An airy arpeggiated synth leads the way on “A Leaf on a Tree” while “Slave to the Algorithm” contains cascading melodies from the guitar and piano with a string chorus. He closes strong with “You Fade” which is a soaring ballad about oblivion.

​Solitude for the Masses is arguably the best Western Bloc release. The songs are well written and I think the fact they he dug deep into his roots paid off.

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