Bark Culture is a Philadelphia-based trio led by vibraphonist Victor Vieira-Branco, featuring Joey Sullivan on drums and John Moran on bass. The band is touring their new record The Giant is Awkward set for release on June 5th, 2026.

The Giant is Awkward is the second album by vibraphonist and composer Victor Vieira-Branco’s Bark Culture. The ensemble—featuring John Moran (double bass) and Joey Sullivan (drums)—is joined by pianist and composer Sam Yulsman for five pieces that mirror the prismatic nature of a sound Vieira-Branco has been tirelessly crafting with the group since 2021. With the addition of Yulsman, the group reveals, as Peter Margasak states, “a heightened sensitivity and grace, with increased harmonic splendor thanks to t