Barren Blue – “Dying In The Material World”

Barren Blue’s album “Dying In The Material World” is my new favorite release of the month. Every track needs your attention, from the punchy bite of “Algorithmic Deathbed Blues” to the sharp-eyed commentary of “Chemicals Are Delicious”. If I have to choose just one favorite track of the album, that would definitely be “Together”.

The vocals have a kind of raw honesty that suits the mood perfectly. They’re not polished for the sake of polish, but they carry the emotion exactly where it needs to go, sometimes biting, sometimes flat-out vulnerable. What’s refreshing is how it doesn’t shy away from being messy. It’s anxious, frustrated, sometimes weird, and that’s the point. You can hear the DIY spirit in the recording, and it actually works in the album’s favor. There’s a personal, lived-in feel baked into every second.

It’s probably going to be worth your time. Keep tabs on Barren Blue on social media to catch whatever’s coming next in 2025.