5j Barrow

Actors by day and Folk-Rock Stars by night.. Eryn Murman and Jason Hite's Band 5j Barrow just became the official Winners of the WNYC's Ultimate Battle of the Boroughs. Hundreds of musical acts entered the competition and 5j Barrow went on to win the Manhattan battle a few months ago at The Greenespace. The final battle was held on Friday, June 27th against the other borough winners and 5j BARROW took the crown to become WNYC's # 1, 2014 Ultimate Battle Winners of NYC!

The final Battle was emceed by WQXR's Terrance McKnight and featuring guest judges Helga Davis, of Philip Glass' Einstein on the Beach and a Q2 Music contributing host; Bob Power, award-winning, multi-platinum record producer, mixer, engineer and musician; and Marion J. Caffey, producer of Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. The new winners have earned many prizes including a WNYC music video, a full concert at WNYC's The Greenespace and an opportunity to perform at the famous Apollo Theatre. It is an exciting week for 5j Barrow, along with the final Battle their New Album "From The Dim Sweet Light" was released on June 24th and available on iTunes, Spotify and Pandora.

The West Village band says their drama tinged folk-rock sound is influenced by their relationship to their city - a concrete jungle that inspires their intensity, theatricality and focus. Eryn Murman (Spring Awakening) is Lead Vocalist, Mandolin and Songwriter along with partner Jason Hite (Bare) on Vocals and Guitar. The band also includes Eric Namaky on Piano, Michael Hunter on Violin, Ian Hunt on Drums and Hayden Frank on Bass.

While battling and winning the crown, actors Eryn Murman and Jason Hite are also busy in rehearsal for the New York Premiere of a new pop rock musical, The Snow Queen opening on July 14th in the Alice Griffin Theater at the Pershing Square Signature Theatre with The New York Musical Theatre Festival. www.thesnowqueenmusical.com The World Premiere of the new musical played in 2013 at the San Jose Rep. The show follows Gerda (Eryn Murman), on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen's palace. With an original pop rock score, alluring ballads, urban steam punk flare, and the enigmatic Snow Queen- this is not your average bedtime story. Tune into FOX5 NYC Morning Show this Wednesday to see the the entire Snow Queen cast perform a number from the show.The Snow Queen will run from July 14 to July20th. For tickets and more information go to THE SNOW QUEEN at NYMF .

The 5j Borough winners had a "Behind The Scenes" video produced exclusively for them by WNYC for the final Battle. Watch now! - Broadwayworld.com

Brooklyn-based sextet 5j Barrow hits the ground running with “Talking My Soul,” the first track on the just-released From the Dim, Sweet Light. It’s clear from the outset that lead vocalists Eryn Murman and Jason Hite have a synergistic musical relationship that is only heightened by the collaboration with Eric Namaky (keys), Michael Hunter (violin), Ian Hunt (percussion) and Harden Frank (bass).

“Talking My Soul” sets an ambitious benchmark for the remainder of the album, and remains a smart choice to introduce the band to listeners by utilizing the special talents of every band member in the process. It’s an interesting blend, especially with these vocalists who draw on different styles and strengths; Murman with a rich, even tone that drips like honey and Hite, whose voice is rife with character.

“Lynnette” is a wonderfully charming and interesting song that seems to tap into Murman and Hite’s Broadway experience, exploring dynamics and rhythm in a way that feels fresh without being overwrought with drama. “This Too” also weaves us more of Hite’s vocal work into the mix and provides depth with its harmonies. The emotion conveyed both vocally and within the strains of the violin strings push this to yet another level. The simplest touches of overlaying a frantic vocal track on top of tight instrumental work near the end launch into a musical climax that truly satisfies. In contrast, “Big Rooms, Bright Lights” is a showcase of the partnership that Murman and Hite have brought into this six-piece band; they are in sync at every moment of this simple, pleasing tune that eschews the larger production to focus on stripping down their sound to show off their skills.

Second single “Wildwood” is the real showstopper here, however. If at any point you’re sitting on the fence with 5j Barrow, this track will win you over. There’s an irrepressible energy that jumps right out of the speakers; Murman’s infectious vocals and, in particular, Hunter’s violin work and the driving drums from Hunt cap a winning performance from every single band member. The song reaches a fever pitch before circling back to the simple, catchy melody that sets the tone at the beginning.

5j Barrow celebrates the dramatic, dynamic and collaborative nature of storytelling with the release of From the Dim, Sweet Light. From top to bottom, the players provide a wide and diverse range of skills and instrumentation that not only makes this album appealing to musicians, but accessible to fans. It’s a rollicking, energetic glimpse into a collective of performers that click when they play together, enhancing each others’ strengths in a way that’s exciting to listen to. There can be little doubt they would put on a hell of a live show, and I’d be surprised if this band didn’t pick up even more buzz with the release of this album. Take a listen, you’ll be glad you did. - Indie-music.com

Any Broadway fan (singers Eryn Murman and Jason Hite performed in Spring Awakening and Bare) should check out 5J Barrow for their fill of drama-tinged folk music. The band was selected as Best Manhattan Artist at WNYC's latest Battle of the Boroughs. Taking their everyday experiences as evidence of the magic we overlook too often in NYC, first single 'Talking My Soul' discusses streets named after wheeping trees, and why it's better to discuss your life while at sea... not to mention a fiddle freakout halfway through that could raise the dead.

Taken from their upcoming debut LP 'From the Dim, Sweet Light,' the track should help you see the city for the stage it really is. The record is scheduled for a June release - just in time for the final round of the battle! - The Deli Magazine

Most Indie Week finalists wrestled with guitar-driven and heavier sounds, so when 5j Barrow hit the stage at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club on October 19, people may have not known what to expect.

The Brooklyn, NY rockers boarded the stage with a full band, including a violin and mandolin — but despite their earthy, folk rock genre, 5j Barrow had the stage floor shaking with every jump and stomp.

The six-piece group shook and belted their way into third place, winning them a Shure Canada prize package and a truckload of new Canadian fans. - Substructlive.com