Book Of Churches takes time to reflect on ‘Song By A Stranger’
At the dawn of 2026, I don’t think any of us questioned the songwriting capabilities of Felix Mackenzie-Barrow.
The songwriter who makes up one quarter of the band Divorce, similarly makes up one quarter of the talent on one of last year’s standout records, the band’s stunning effort, Drive to Goldenhammer.
But what is astonishing is his continued ability to deliver, in a year that would have been jam-packed with press runs, shows and recording sessions for the band.
While you can hear that this lead single ‘Song By A Stranger’, from his new solo project Book Of Churches, is a collection of creative tidbits scratched together in the fleeting moments of peace for Mackenzie-Barrow’s, the profundity of it is unmistakable.
Because on top of this acoustic guitar and in the whisper of the vocal takes is an intimacy that lends itself to the songwriting style of Mackenzie-Barrow. Almost like a sombre songbird, lines like “only the room knows the bed that I made” feel inherently heartbreaking, even if they weren’t intended to.
It’s a deliberately stripped-back effort, so there’s little in the way of thrills except the layering of Mackenzie-Barrow’s vocal takes. It’s clear the song doesn’t need thrills, but the use of this technique is a masterstroke, for it highlights the idea that on Book Of Churches, Mackenzie-Barrow is conversing with himself, ruminating on thoughts or feelings that crop up in this otherwise disconnected world.
“It feels a bit like a travelogue,” he explained of the project. “In some ways, when I wrote these songs, I was talking to the person I was no longer in a relationship with – just saying hello. Sometimes, the songs were attempts at looking for a North Star that I could speak to.”
Adding, “It’s this idea of how big the world is, and how precious those few connections that you have with people are, and how you can feel those so acutely across vast spaces and times. Book of Churches is basically a metaphor for how I felt making these songs. These songs are like my version of whatever church is.”
The world does indeed feel pretty big from the hushed stance of Mackenzie-Barrow’s voice. But maybe that’s what we need? A retraction from the grand problems that weigh heavy on us and, in turn, embrace something more intimate, connected and personal.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out New Music Newsletter
All the latest New Music from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.