Originally known as Ian Dury & The Blockheads, the current line-up, consisting of four of the original members; Chaz Jankel (piano, guitar), Mick Gallagher (keyboards), Norman Watt-Roy (bass) and John Turnbull (guitar), are joined by Dylan Howe (drums) and Gilad Atzmon (sax). "Barrel" is the second studio album the Blockheads have released since their original lead singer, Ian Dury, passed away from cancer in 2000.

Comprised of new music written by Jankel (who wrote the music for the hit singles Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, and Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick), the lyrics are penned by new Blockheads vocalist Derek Hussey (aka Derek The Draw), Dury's personal minder from 1990-2000.

With the front CD inlay artwork illustrated by Sir Peter Blake; the album dovetails the Blockhead's UK and French tour dates, which includes a special show at the historic London punk venue, the Electric Ballroom on 30th April featuring original Blockheads' saxophonist Davey Payne. The new album coincides with the 30th Anniversary of 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' that originally reached No.1 in the UK singles chart in 1979, selling in excess of 1 million copies.