Nick Barker is launching his new album “Exoskeleton” with a special afternoon show at Archies Creek Hotel on Saturday, January 6.

Get your new year off to a rocking start when Nick and his band The Fading Lights, are joined by Sean McMahon and The Owls at the launch.

Possessing a wry sense of humour, a deft turn of phrase and a distinctive guitar sound, Barker has crafted a significant body of work, from his days fronting the Reptiles through to his solo career, as well as a couple of albums with a great bar band called The Heartache State.

Nick said he never set out to change the world, he just wanted to be in a great bar band. But along the way, he has become one of Australia’s finest songwriters.

“Exoskeleton” is Barker’s first solo album in 14 years. It’s a collection of songs about people who have hard outer layers but are soft inside, as well as stories about love and loss, death and family, and scars that never heal.

The album was made with his good friend and producer Shane O’Mara.

“Nick is a singular musician with a unique approach,” Shane says.

“The sound of the guitar and bass are remarkable – wandering, tough bass lines, and incredible angular, sinewy guitar. And, of course, the arrow-straight vocal makes you take notice and listen. This was such a rewarding album to make. I found the songs heartfelt, captivating and musically always surprising.”

Come and experience “Exoskeleton” live at Archies Creek on January 6, from 3pm.

Tickets at: www.caravanmusic.com.au/events/nick-barker-the-fading-lights-album-launch