[1] Barbeau is known for combining surreal lyrics with pop melodies and has been described as a devotee of the songwriting tradition of Robyn Hitchcock, Syd Barrett, XTC, and The Beatles.

He has performed on bills with artists including Hitchcock, Julian Cope, The Bevis Frond, Weezer, Mono, and a reformed Bay City Rollers.

In the same year, Barbeau's albums Drug Free and In the Village of the Apple Sun were released; the latter was described as "an instant lost psychedelic classic".

The second, Little World, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim,[4] and featured guests such as Colin Moulding (of XTC), Kimberley Rew (of The Soft Boys and Katrina and the Waves), and Scott Miller.

From 2010 to 2015, Barbeau performed in the band Three Minute Tease with Andy Metcalfe and Morris Windsor – erstwhile members of Robyn Hitchcock-led The Soft Boys/Egyptians.

The band recorded two albums, Three Minute Tease and Bite The Hand, and toured the UK, including a supporting slot for New Zealand songwriter Don McGlashan.

The CD and LP versions feature different mixes of the lead-off track, "High Noon," with alternate bass and drum performances from Colin Moulding and Michael Urbano.