Blog

FASHION Reporters

Charlottetown: That electro-cute look

By Amanda Bulman | October 8th, 2008 | 4:46 pm

12 comments

Female vocalists like Emily Haines, Jenny Lewis and Deborah Harry are always tops on the best dressed lists I keep in my head. So maybe it’s not surprising that the girls I would crown most fashionable on Prince Edward Island are also rising stars in the Maritime indie music scene.

The Barnkats consist of Katie Rankin (vocals, keys and bright blue tambourine) and Gillian Arsenault (guitar and vocals) and the two friends play music that blends rap, techno, folk and pop in a style that fans have affectionately dubbed “electro-cute.” Their lyrics are as charming as their musical style, with topics ranging from first heartbreaks to good luck charms that stave off creepy old men.

Original music and fun lyrics aside, the fashion is my favourite thing about Barnkats. Rankin dresses like an Agyness Deyn/Annie Lennox hybrid, with white blonde hair, pleather leggings, rompers, and leopard print accessories. While Arsenault is known for her cropped hair, party dresses and a love for all things argyle. The two cats also always coordinate outfits pre-performance and have a tendency to match their clothes (subconsciously they claim) to the color of the night’s instruments.

The next few months are important for the band as they launch their first EP That Female Look in December. Until then, you can listen to the Barnkats online at myspace.com/thebarnkats, or better yet, check out a live show in downtown Charlottetown on any given Friday or Saturday night where you can ogle their outfits firsthand.

Photography by Patrick Callbeck

Read more about , , ,

Join the discussion

  • Chanie

    Love this article. Cute girls!

  • Andie

    Photo by the always awesome Patrick Calbeck! Thanks Patio!

  • Kristin

    So talented! Can’t wait for the EP!!

  • Lenny

    These girls are adorable! Great article!

  • Danielle

    Wow – Thank you so much for introducing me to such a talented group of girls… before your blog I never knew of The Barnkats, but I ended up on their myspace and their lyrical commentary of the social pressures of being “fashionable” is something everyone can relate to on some level for sure (wish I had heard of them before I had to sit down for 4 hours and brush dreadlocks out of my hair in order to comply with a work uniform policy!). Not only is their attire trendsetting, but the attitudes they also express musically should become the new pink. Ms Bulman, I will definately be keeping an eye out for your blogs!

  • Jill

    Amanda, I look forward to reading your articles every thursday, i found them to be witty, fun and very interesting, your writing is inspiring and fresh. I’m looking forward to reading next weeks.

  • Island Man

    Caught a show last week at Fishbones. These two are hot.

  • Jackie S

    These girls are what it’s about on PEI. They’re doing what they know how to do, and we all appreciate it. Congrats girls, we love you!

  • Sweet O

    WOW. I love the dress the blonde chick has on

  • Amanda(blog writer)

    It’s a Kinza Mae wolf dress, hand made on PEI. She’ll be featured in an upcoming blog. So keep reading(shameless plug)

  • Darrah

    Awesome article, adorable band. Keep it coming, Andie!

  • Simone

    The Barnkats rock my world. I have become their Facebook friend and you know that kind of love lasts forever. They’re more like Electro Too Cute. Vote Katie!

Neither the author nor FASHION Magazine necessarily agrees with the comments posted here. Editors will not correct spelling or grammar. FASHION Magazine reserves the right to edit or delete comments entirely.

Your Friends’ Favourites

Join Fashion
Advertisement
Current Issue
Current cover of FASHION Magazine

Most popular right now

Advertisement
Advertisement
Contests