In stock now! Not to be confused with “The Lost Paintings Of Kathar”

The themes of ‘The Lost Paintings’ are developed further in ‘The Found Paintings’ just as the music of the new album builds on and expands from the sounds of the previous. More than a sequel, and perhaps Biblical-style in nature, ‘The Found Paintings of Kathar’ is like a New Testament to ‘The Lost Paintings’ Old Testament.

That comparison is not a casual one. Barbers lyrics have often included religious references and this album is no exception, with mentions of Krishna, Quetzalcoatl, Poseidon, psalms, and speaking in tongues, among others. But the abiding theme of The Found Paintings of Kathar is essentially a religious declaration about the power and importance of authenticity in art. While ‘The Lost Paintings’ celebrated the artist and the creative act, ‘The Found Paintings’goes further presenting its own commandment of what an artist must do to create truly meaningful art. It is something akin to: “Yad bhavam tad bhavati” (a Sanskrit maxim meaning, As one thinks, so one becomes); Know thyself (the inscription on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi); Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law (the central tenet of Aleister Crowleys Thelema). Authenticity.

Of particular note are three of the albums quieter songs. The title track is a bracing, stark acoustic ballad about a bitter, uncompromising painter and his goth rock disciples. The descending chords lead the listener down with Kathar. Disciples of a Deeper Waves sparkling fingerpicking stands in contrast to the sweet, sad vocals by Barber and Maya Nell Murungi, fitting the story of lost souls chasing the glittering lights of Los Angeles only to find themselves in wreckage. Omens stands as a counterpoint, another beautifully fingerpicked song but one full of hope and love. The lyrics to Omens are the most classically Perhapsyian lyrics, with references to religion, 1980s popular culture, and UFOs. But like the rest of the album, they are evocatively enigmatic.

Indeed, the album as a whole contains Barbers best, most poetic, and most mysterious collection of lyrics that he has yet put out into the world. Combined with the confidently messy, brilliant music and the self-assured theme of authenticity in ones practice of art, ‘The Found Paintings of Kathar’ is Perhapsys righteous sermon on the mount, his message delivered to the world.

– Chris Alarie (badyearnomercy)