Barren? Once Upon a Death… Our National Industry LP
BARREN? is a Parisian anarcho-punk band that has been playing and recording together for nearly a decade. Recently, the band released the full-length Once Upon a Death… Our National Industry—if you like things like the MOB circa No Doves Fly Here, you’ll definitely dig BARREN? Much of the album contains the band’s signature mid-paced style which allows for additional elements of expression and denser compositions. An embrace of the darker elements of anarcho-punk means BARREN? also uses elements of goth and post-punk, and this is on full display in tracks like “Take Them By Storm” and “Our Brains Are a Warzone.” Frequent use of harmony and gang vocals also gives many of the songs an anthemic quality which tempers the melancholic elements. In all, Once Upon a Death… Our National Industry is an exceptional release from an excellent band.