Exclusive video premiere of ‘Chrono Optik’ by Anton Barbeau, taken from his ‘Morgenmusik/Nachtschlager’ double album.

Anton Barbeau is a versatile musician celebrated for his unique fusion of psychedelic and pop elements in his music. With a prolific career spanning several decades, he has amassed a dedicated following for his eclectic songwriting and experimental approach. Barbeau’s work often draws from a diverse range of influences, including literature, cinema, and personal experiences, shaping his distinctive musical style. Anton Barbeau’s latest album, ‘Morgenmusik / Nachtschlager,’ is the result of intense creative bursts during three distinct writing sessions. Spanning both Berlin and California, the double album showcases his whimsical and delightfully unconventional style, blending power-pop, acid-rock, freak folk, world music, krautrock, and psychedelic funk. Featuring collaborations with notable musicians like Colin Moulding of XTC, Andy Metcalfe, Morris Windsor, Michael Urbano, and Donald Ross Skinner, the album is a testament to Barbeau’s ability to merge personal influences and musical innovation into a captivating musical journey. ‘Chrono Optik’ serves as the opening track on the second disc of the ‘Morgenmusik/Nachtschlager’ double album. It was composed in Berlin during a typical Friday evening at home, influenced by a state of relaxation and watching uninspiring Schlager music on television. Everyone has their quirks, don’t they?

The song’s lyrics are a collage of images borrowed from the TV screen, with its title inspired by a commercial for an elegant wristwatch. Ronny, a traditional German Schlager star, made an appearance singing a forgettable melody while riding a pony in one scene. Additionally, ‘Little Otik,’ a film by Jan Svankmajer, somehow found its way into the song, adding to its mysterious charm.

<a href="https://antonbarbeau.bandcamp.com/album/morgenmusik-nachtschlager">Morgenmusik/Nachtschlager by Anton Barbeau</a>

In the accompanying video, the band introduced minimalist elements to the song, complementing the electronic foundation with subtle bass guitar fragments and tasteful drum fills. Vocals were provided by Rosie Abbott, although the visual performance featured the mouths of the songwriter and his wife, Julia. Rosie also contributed a non-bloodshot eyeball to the video, while the identity of the second eyeball remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue surrounding the project.

Headline photo: Karen Eng

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