Press & Reviews
It's thrilling to have three of the songs from HAAK (Freedom, New Eyes & Coyote) included in Bob Boilen's (Creator of Tiny Desk Concerts/All Songs Considered, NPR) favorite songs of 2025. Presently, Bob is the program Director of Takoma Radio, home of his show ‘My Tiny Morning Show’. You can listen on Spotify or Apple Music.
“HAAK, which is an acronym for ‘High As A Kite’, is an expansive collection which covers a lot of stylistic bases. In fact, it may be unfair to refer to the tracks on this album as simply being songs. These works are sonic soundscapes which, while they can be melodically simple, are deeply layered and aurally interesting. HAAK is not simply something that one listens to, it is something to be experienced. To hear it is to get a glimpse into the mind of Monique Barry, and how her life experiences and observations – from the mundane to the extraordinary – are reflected in her art. This album is an auditory treat that you need to hear.” - Bryan Williston for Spill Magazine
“HAAK is a lush and atmospheric work of art. Deep groove and a heightened melodic sensibility immediately draw you into Monique’s azure blue and emerald green world. The raw and emotional storyline is supported by captivating arrangements (performed by a powerhouse band), which provide a rich canvas for Monique’s stunning and dynamic vocals. Dive deep. Play on repeat.” - Jane Gowan
“(Listening to 'Courage') I heard Fleetwood Mac, assured pop that has a twinkle in its eye as evidenced by the Running Up The Hill like beats. There is also a hint of Beat It MJ which I wasn't expecting in a track so defined by a chanteuse who can operate in our world and the otherworld. She sees and she sings what comes of it so Monique Barry does something different here, moving beyond staid pop, mixing things up but still offering a version of sound that is too well kept for my unkempt indie demeanour. ” - Kevin Hugger
— mp3hugger
“'Time' is artful stuff, the creative aspects so clear and allied to a dedication to ensuring everything is in its right place, making for a classy offering for listeners not out for the quick return. I could see ‘Time’ finding its place on a soundtrack where the drama mostly derives from consequences of heart fuelled matters. The quality of the pop on offer means that we can look beyond the depth of melancholy at its core and somehow come out with something approaching somewhere over the rainbow feelings by the finish. ” - Kevin Hugger
— mp3hugger
“The fusion of electro, folk, and Icelandic-vibe connect onto Monique’s artistry. “GONE+EAGLES” exposes Monique Barry’s unbelievable vocal abilities as she delivers remarkable performance throughout the whole track. Monique takes full inspiration form the biggest artists such as Radiohead, Björk, Portishead, and Róisín Murphy, but creates her unique style. ” - Evette Sarah Johnson
“Monique Barry “New Eyes” – Soundcloud’s function of simply continuing with another artist after a song ends often annoys me, but sometimes you unexpectedly come across real gems. This is also the case with this great new song by Canadian Monique Barry. Their new single can best be described as Cocteau Twins on the Motorik trip, and attentive listeners will notice Lush-like guitars towards the end of the song. Absolutely great!”
“Through the ghostly flairs, breathy sighs and inventive modernism of ‘Time’, Monique Barry explores loss and connection. The latest single from the risk-taking singer-songwriter, the track is a spellbinding balance of sonic elements that draw you through a layered soundscape. Drawing on the saying from Tennessee Williams that time is the longest distance between two places, she journeys through life with an innovative musical flair.”