What makes Sheep Farming in Barnet by Toyah notable?

The EP received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and lyrical content, contributing to Toyah's rise within the punk rock movement. It helped establish them as a significant act, leading to successful performances and recognition that would follow in subsequent years. Released in 1980, Sheep Farming in Barnet was Toyah's debut EP, emerging at a time when the band was gaining momentum following their formation in 1977. This project came before their breakthrough album, 'Dreamscape', and solidified their presence in the burgeoning post-punk scene in the UK.

How many songs are on Sheep Farming in Barnet?

Sheep Farming in Barnet has 6 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

Sheep Farming in Barnet

Toyah

21 min · 6 tracks · punk rock

Punk-inflected post-punk energy drives this raw and eclectic collection of vibrant, youthful anthems.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Neon Womb — This track opens the EP with a hypnotic blend of infectious rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics, setting the tone for the band's experimental style.
→
Indecision — With its frenetic pace and vivid imagery, this song captures the essence of youthful uncertainty and rebellion, making it a standout anthem of the era.
→
Danced — The dynamic instrumentation and playful vocal delivery highlight Toyah's ability to merge punk energy with theatricality, making it a memorable track on the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases energetic punk-inflected tracks with vivid lyrics, establishing Toyah's unique voice in the genre.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a driving bassline and urgent vocals, setting a high-energy tone that persists through the EP.
Each song features a distinct tempo shift, with 'Indecision' slowing down to create contrast before picking up again in 'Danced'.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal themes, particularly in 'Our Movie', which stands out for its narrative quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Neon Womb 4:24
2 Indecision 2:44
3 Waiting 3:17
4 Our Movie 3:04
5 Danced 4:42
6 Last Goodbye 3:00

What to play next

Listen next

Sheep Farming in Barnet

1979

Go back to

Four from Toyah

Full Toyah discography Artists like Toyah

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata