Educatable began more than two decades ago, long before Barson found himself fronting the project alone. Back in 2002, the band started out as 24/7 — a school friend trio with Barson sat behind the drums. Over the years the lineup grew, the name changed (first The Remedies, then Educatables), and eventually a core duo emerged: Barson and lead vocalist/songwriting partner Dom Slone. Together they performed to thousands, hit major stages including football stadiums, earned BBC radio attention, and built a loyal following.
Then came the loss that changed everything. Following Slone’s passing, the future of Educatable seemed uncertain. But instead of closing the book, Barson stepped into the foreground — taking on vocals, guitars, and the task of steering a band defined by its history into something new without abandoning the feel of what came before.
“Thank You” is the clearest glimpse yet into that evolution. It keeps the luminous, melodic indie pop pulse that long-time fans will recognize, but widens the horizon. The production nods to the stadium-sized ambience of Coldplay and U2 while adopting the vibrant, modern bounce of Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club. There are subtle flecks of African and global rhythmic influence throughout, giving the track a sun-kissed, summer-forward energy that feels uplifting without being saccharine.
Barson’s vocal delivery is warm and open, and the track thrives on movement — it’s beat-driven, catchy, and tailor-made for the kind of live show that turns audiences into participants. That’s become something of a hallmark for Educatable in its current form: shows that sell out, rooms that become communal, and crowds that don’t just watch, but join in. It’s no surprise the self-named “Educatable Army” is expanding quickly.
You can listen below.