Liverpool’s own Barney Goodall has returned with ‘Highrise’, a single that brims with the warmth of shared moments, urban energy, and meticulously crafted melodies. Marking his first new release in four years, the track finds Goodall returning confidently into the spotlight as both composer and multi-instrumentalist, with only a touch of collaboration from bassist Tristan Apperly, whose funk-tinged licks add depth and sparkle to the arrangement.
From the first note, ‘Highrise’ sweeps us into a sunlit Liverpool summer, conjuring images of laughter echoing through Sefton Park, late afternoon strolls past high-rise towers, and the quiet magic of communal joy. His voice carries a casual intimacy, perfectly matching the track’s layered grooves and shimmering textures. The song’s structure balances catchy hooks with subtle musical surprises, allowing each section to unfold organically while maintaining a sense of buoyant cohesion.
Where ‘Highrise’ truly shines is in its ability to translate fleeting, personal experiences into universal resonance. The interplay between Goodall’s instrumentation and Apperly’s bass lines generates an infectious momentum, pulling us into a space that feels both immediate and nostalgic. The second half of the song nods gently to the atmospheric textures of bands like Air, infusing the track with a dreamy sophistication without ever losing its approachable, heartfelt core.
Recorded in Goodall’s own home studio and supported by his extensive Liverpool scene network at Sandown Studios, the production feels simultaneously polished and intimate, offering a rare balance that highlights both the musician’s technical skill and his emotional transparency.
In all, ‘Highrise’ is a celebration of camaraderie, joy, and the rhythms of city life. With its hooks, diverse textures, and evocative melodies, Barney Goodall demonstrates why he remains one of Liverpool’s most captivating emerging talents, and why his music continues to make a lasting impact.
