REVIEWS

Arch 1, 2nd November

'To call Electric Fringe's act at Arch 1, 'a gig', would not do it  justice. Arch 1 itself, almost reminiscent, of the famous Cavern Club, in Liverpool, is resonating to the sounds of laughter as well as music, and the healthy sound of good audience participation. Marcus tells us a bit about each song, before he and the band release a conveyor belt loaded with good music, wit and humour!

'Starting with, 'No Free Lunches', which rails against celebrity culture and grotesque consumerism, the audience are immediately drawn in, while the funky, 'Put Your hand up' which as he explains, is about being dyslexic, gets feet tapping. Just a few songs in its quite clear that this will be a musically and emotionally up beat evening. Although the songs material is quite deep, it is dealt with leaving the listener feeling uplifted!

'Any old iron' is Marcus' love song to Canning Town and this gets everyone singing along, while 'To whom it may concern' is a lesson in how to have the last laugh after adversity. With he's version of Billy Braggs, 'New England' and Dire Straits, 'So far away from me' he seems to make each song he's own, while revealing maybe where his influences come from.

'Hailed as an attempted Love song, 'I've been a dickhead', once again shows that laughter is never too far away. And finally after another rendition of, 'Any old iron' which pleases the crowd greatly, I am left feeling happy, and am beginning to understand, what Electric Fringe are about, and why the musical style Marcus plays, is referred to as, 'Urban Music Hall'. This really is about a nights entertainment, in some ways, from an older time, and something that is maybe missing today. That feeling of togetherness and a shared understanding of every day life's up's and down's. No political messages, or ulterior motives. Just good old fashioned fun and laughter, in life's air raid shelter!' -
Edward Samuel, live music lover

Going For A Song, The Amersham Arms, New Cross


'Marcus originally performed at Going for a Song open mic in 2011. Since then he has sung at our event regularly and he is the only performer we have asked back on special occasion for sets.

'He was instantly one of our most popular singers, a standout performer with a distinctive voice backed by his confident skills on guitar. Audiences have always responded enthusiastically, his song-writing is very strong, a mixture of heartfelt lyrics, witty wordplay and memorable choruses that make a great impact performed live.

'Marcus is equally successful at winning an audience with his own songs or singing covers, making familiar tracks sound fresh in his own inimitable style.' - Antony

Together 2012: Disability Arts Festival, The Hub, Canning Town

'Marcus Barr remains the find of the festival. A clever songwriter with shades of past London voices; Squeeze, Billy Bragg, Richard Thompson; he beguiles us with a song about a stolen motorbike; police who could not chase the perpetuators due to health and safety concerns (they weren’t wearing crash helmets). It’s an old trick but the vehicle becomes a symbol of lost love to be cared for and thought about.

'His Canning Town redevelopment song 'Any Old Iron' is even better as he calls out how funny, how crazy it is that redevelopment is not for the people of the area but for those about to move in to the new, better environment.' - Richard Downes