Bartees Strange – Horror

Horror, the third full length from Bartees Strange, is a collection of songs that encapsulate what fear means and how it can be processed. Sonically, it's extremely varied, but not at all to its detriment. There’s acoustic, easy-listening instrumentals in Baltimore that explore a yearning to settle down, and songs like the up-tempo Lovers that juxtapose this with deep house beats as he laments about being 'too fucked up', while tracks like Hit It Quit It and Norf Gun have strong funk and hip-hop influences, showing that Strange is able to expertly weave between genres with finesse and style.

Vulnerability is rife across the record, as solemn string accompaniments and soaring guitar riffs are regularly paired with hauntingly introspective lyrical content. On 17, there is a moment that is particularly impactful as he touches on issues regarding identity and race: 'The first time that I felt impending doom / Was realising I’m too Black for the room'.

Working with a high-profile producer like Jack Antonoff on Horror, there was some despair online, given the Bleachers frontman is best known for his production work with pop artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde. But the powerful, driving force present on this record could truly be life-changing for Strange; Horror is an impassioned journey, beautifully crafted and brightly euphoric.

Listen to: Sober, 17, Backseat Banton