Beth Ray Writes

I’ve mentioned sombr before on this blog (back in May) and have been obsessed with each single he’s brought out over the last two years.

On the 22nd August he FINALLY released his long awaited debut album ‘I Barely Know Her’ after a string of releasing singles and one EP.

This. Album. Is. Divine.

For me, this is a no skip album. I love each and every song (this doesn’t ever happen anymore!)

All of the tracks are only written by sombr* (real name Shane Boose ) and are produced by himself and Tony Berg (with the exception of ‘back to friends’, and ‘we never dated’ which were only produced by sombr).
It’s impressive for a debut album to sound this good. I think it’s also very interesting he’s been trusted to be the sole songwriter on the album – if his record company thought it was a risk it’s obviously paid off.

Opening track ‘crushing’ is a strong start with the chorus ringing out lyrics such as “I miss the days when we were crushing on each other// now you’re just crushing my soul, my lover// I miss the days when you could never love another” the haunting backing vocals that add layers of harmonies make it such a gorgeous listen.
It is followed by the funky, sexy new single ’12 to 12′ (which by the way have you seen the music video with Gen Z star Addison Rae?). This song for me is an updated / alternate universe version of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’ of looking for your love on the dancefloor and wondering if they feel the same. It’s a heart-lust anthem with sombr’s signature harmonies ringing out over the thick bass and robust drum beat.

The whole album is a love letter, to those who broke his heart, to those who he’s unsure if they feel the same way, to those who he dreams of, to the friends who never made it to official lovers, it’s raw and emotive. However don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an album of ballads.
Oh no, this is not the case. These songs are catchy, melodic and upbeat despite the sad sentiment. The slowest song is ‘canal street’ but it can’t be skipped as sombr reflects on the memories of him and an ex.

This is an album for those who love a love story (me), a gorgeous melody, and for those who have an appreciation for a great new artist who can’t be compared to anyone around at the moment. He’s new, he’s talented and I can guarantee he’s going to be heard by a lot more people over the next year. His monthly Spotify listeners are currently over 56 million and his UK tour next year is already sold out (I couldn’t even get tickets on early pre-sale welp).

Go and stream it now, before your friends tell you in a few months time.

Songs to skip to:
– under the mat
– 12 to 12
– crushing

Want to read what others are saying?

NME 4/5
Rolling Stone 4/5
Variety
I-D



Make sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!

*according to Spotify’s songwriting credits