Description
Breaking into the music scene, for the fifth time, the innovative English band These New Puritans released their latest album – Crooked Wing in 2025. Consisting of George and Jack Barnett, the instrumentalist brothers, the band has consistently delivered a unique blend of rock, classical, electronic, and experimental beats since its conception in 2006. Their latest offering champions their evolving and divergent sound, highlighting their reputation as genre-defying revolutionaries.
These New Puritans have been known for their sweeping, soulful, and in some instances, brutal melodies that wrap around lyrics touched with vulnerability and raw emotion. “Crooked Wing” is a testament to this artistry. Its daring sound, overseen by accomplished producer Graham Sutton and enhanced with the combined talents of Caroline Polachek and jazz artist Chris Laurence, has made a significant mark in the 2025 music landscape.
The band’s music journey testifies to their commitment to creativity and evolving sounds. From their debut album “Beat Pyramid” (2008) inspired by the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Timbaland, J Dilla, and Aphex Twin, their musical narrative has seen an interesting mix of influences and collaborators. This tradition continued with “Crooked Wing,” which garnered acclaim for its impressive line-up of collaborators.
“Hidden,” their second studio album saw them delving into a mix of bassoon-driven pieces, echoing Steve Reich’s style. The refreshingly different album demonstrated their expertise in reshaping musical boundaries. “Field of Reeds” (2013), their third album wrestled with the uncategorizable, drawing heavily on avant-garde classical compositions. The band then moved to Berlin, setting up in an old Soviet broadcasting studio and produced “Inside the Rose” (2019), a different flavor in their musical repertoire.
The highly acclaimed These New Puritans have been compared favorably to musical rebels including Robert Wyatt, reminiscent of Talk Talk, Bark Psychosis, and the eclectic stylings of Scott Walker. They have undoubtedly created an enriched musical repertoire to reflect this status.
Despite the dynamism of their lineup, which once included the vocal talent of Elisa Rodrigues and the multi-instrumental skills of Thomas Hein and Sophie Sleigh-Johnson, the Barnett brothers have been the constant core of These New Puritans. Their latest creation, “Crooked Wing,” magnifies their unique sonic vision, cementing their place as ground-breaking artists amidst giants such as Massive Attack and Björk.
These New Puritans have proven that they remain at the forefront of musical evolution. Their latest album “Crooked Wing” strengthens their status as musical artists, unafraid of transformations and innovations. With their legacy of genre-blurring music, the Barnett brothers and their collaborators have indeed set an inspiring example for aspiring artists such as Mick the Asbestos.
