SINGLE REVIEW: Ches Barrow – Parisian Chic

Ches Barrow’s ‘Parisian Chic’ effortlessly fuses style and substance, dripping with a cool, seductive vibe. Built around her long-time Schimmel piano, the track carries a dark, sultry energy right from the start. Barrow’s static, restrained piano lines create a calm, controlled atmosphere that contrasts with the lyrical tension – a woman who hides behind glamour but battles with inner chaos. As the track unfolds, the melody bursts into life in the second verse, adding layers of discordant beauty, like something unravelling beneath a polished surface.

With its slick production by Brian Scheuble, the track weaves subtle grunge influences with jazzy undertones, giving it a layered, textured feel that’s hard to pin down. The sophistication of the piano is balanced against a raw vocal delivery, reflecting the story of a powerhouse woman who hides her emotions behind her Chanel armour and signature red lip. There’s an alluring tension between the poised exterior and the emotional depth that lurks just beneath.

‘Parisian Chic’ encapsulates Barrow’s ability to blend fashion and music into a seamless, complex narrative. The imagery is vivid – much like her favourite Helmut Newton photograph ‘Le Smoking’ – evoking the same sense of edgy glamour, all while maintaining her signature grunge twist. It’s this juxtaposition that makes the track stand out, and Barrow pulls it off effortlessly, leaving you both intrigued and slightly unsettled by the contrast.