Seraphina Lotkhamnga on May 10th, 2011

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Five-piece electro-folk band Barbara released their “Robopopironica” EP last summer, but it wasn’t until they released their cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” that they’ve perked some ears up. The song itself has been covered numerous times, but unlike most versions, Barbara’s is nowhere near amateur. Derek Stephens is a classically trained pianist and folk singer, and Frank Eybsen is a hip-hop producer. Think Bon Iver plus Kanye but without the cocky MC and limitations of only a chorus. Joined by Betsy Moyer (who is no stranger to singing hooks on rap tunes) on vocals, keys and glockenspiel, as well as drummer Jerrod Thompson and bassist Brian Mauleon, Barbara is currently working on their full-length album.

||| Download: “Pursuit of Happiness” (Kid Cudi cover)

||| Also: Their remix of “The Human Condition” by Jhameel.

||| Live: Barbara plays May 19 at On the Rox.