It is a genuine pleasure when an artist emerges from a clear-eyed passion and a deep, abiding love for the craft of songwriting. Ker, the musical moniker of Scottish producer and singer-songwriter Barry G.K. Thomson, whose debut single, “Wondering on Giants,” was released on December 1, 2025—a compelling curtain-raiser for the 13-track album, Converging Paths, slated for 2026.
The sheer maturity woven into the composition is what immediately strikes. This is the sound of a man who has thought deeply, and finally found the space to translate his internal world into sound. The influences here are clear and, quite frankly, impeccable. We hear the melodic elegance of The Beatles, the acoustic intimacy of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, and perhaps most importantly, the soaring, conceptual architecture of British progressive giants like Pink Floyd and Yes. “Wondering on Giants” is an engaging synthesis of this pedigree—a proper tune with a distinct, compelling theme.
The track itself is an inviting piece of folk-rock, anchored by clear, unadorned vocal delivery. From the first acoustic strums, there is a gentle yet driving rhythm that suggests open roads and vast panoramas. The instrumental arrangement is rich. There is a tasteful use of textures—carefully placed electric guitar phrases and foundational bass work that recall a time when every note mattered. The production is warm and earnest, perfectly tuned to deliver a message that is meant to uplift and nourish, exactly as the artist intended. It’s an analogue recording of a sincere moment.
In “Wondering on Giants,” Ker presents the listener with the elemental subject of mountains, framing them as silent, noble participants in the enduring conflict between nature’s scale and human ambition. The lyrics are evocative, portraying clear pictures of rugged terrain and heavy mists (though the spark of his musical journey ignited in Montana, the imagery feels distinctly tied to the ancient, mist-shrouded peaks of his homeland). The verses establish the mountains as majestic, silent sentinels, drawing the climber with their potent natural force. The chorus offers a moment of soaring, melodic payoff, recognizing these peaks as static, proud entities presiding over the march of time. The track is ultimately an ode to the enduring spirit of the natural world and the small but important place of humanity within it.
Ker’s journey into the light is as intriguing as his music. After spending the majority of his working life in the world of marketing—a place rarely conducive to artistic expression—he came to music later in life, an impulse born on a trip to Kalispell, Montana. This background explains the clarity and focus evident in his songwriting. He approaches the process with a maturity and considered approach that many younger artists lack. His dedication to developing his musical theory and his ambition to write compelling, non-controversial, and upbeat songs suggests a rare sincerity. He is not just looking to entertain, but to genuinely connect and resonate with his audience.
“Wondering on Giants” is an exciting appetizer for Converging Paths. It promises an album that focuses on engaging topics and melodies that have the structure and heart to endure. Ker’s sound offers a familiar comfort while providing a refreshing sense of modern relevance.
If the aim was to leave listeners feeling uplifted and eager to hear more, Ker has successfully scaled the first peak. “Wondering on Giants” is a record with substance and a deep appreciation for classic rock.