Barry Can't Swim Delivers Second Studio Album, 'Loner'

Barry Can’t Swim knows a place; on Loner, he takes listeners to an eclectic, left-field corner of electronic music where textures contrast and his ingenuity shines in their collision. The melodic, chiming “Kimpton” and the album’s shrill, thumping opener, “The Person You’d Like To Be,” are just two examples of the rich sounds that tumble across Loner. 

The LP is the awaited answer to the Scottish producer’s lauded debut album, When Will We Land?, which led to a surge in his popularity following its release in 2023.

“If my first album was a collage of all the music I loved and was inspired by growing up, then this album is the most authentic expression I could offer of myself,” Barry Can’t Swim wrote in an Instagram post. In another, he added, “It’s an album about my life over the past year. All the highs and thrills, all the self-doubt and fear. And through the process of making it, I’ve never felt more blessed to be living such a mad life and sharing it with so many people that I love.”

Like When Will We Land?, Loner – in alignment with its title – is mostly a solo affair. “Kimpton” alongside London-based DJ/producer O’Flynn and “Machine Noise For A Quiet Daydream,” featuring a phone-recorded poem from Barry Can’t Swim’s friend Séamus, are the sole collaborations on the 12-track LP. Listen below.

Loner arrives on the heels of a very active touring season for the producer, who completed a North American run of shows in May and is currently hitting the festival circuit hard, with upcoming appearances at Lollapalooza, HARD Summer, All Points East, and III Points. First, though, comes a pair of headlining shows at Rough Trade East (July 13) and Rough Trade Liverpool (July 18).

Barry Can’t Swim’s sophomore album is out now via Ninja Tune. Buy it on Beatport.