By Mia Hanuska
Singer-songwriter, director, and producer of indie-rock and alternative-pop music, Sombr—born Shane Boose—released his 10 song debut album on August 22, 2025. Featuring raw, heartbroken lyrics over upbeat, catchy melodies, Sombr’s I Barely Know Her features a new, distinct sound that separates itself from the rest of his more gentle, ballad-y discography.
This album’s general theme speaks to the deep hurt of heartbreak and the pain of losing someone you’ve been not just physically, but emotionally intimate with. Among others, one overarching question lingers in his mind: “did you even love me when we dated?” Intertwined with this question, he explores the experience of yearning for someone who sends mixed signals, and mourning the relationship he wishes they could’ve had.
Musically, many of the songs on this album have very similar styles yet still manage to differentiate themselves from each other. Overall, every song’s verses are sonically muted compared to the choruses, almost as if they were left as a voicemail, giving the songs a vintage feeling. Then, most of the choruses provide a change from the grainy effect of the verses, switching to a clear, vibrant sound. This switch emphasizes the intimacy of each verse, creating the feeling that listeners are getting access to Sombr’s unfiltered and personal emotions; messages he left specifically for “her.”
Sombr’s specialty is undoubtedly his bridges. Bold both lyrically and sonically, these songs’ bridges are sure to captivate listeners. Despite their fairly short lengths, it’s clear each bridge is the perfect length for the ideas he wants to relay, and they all offer smooth, beautiful transitions between verses and choruses. His choruses may be what gain virality online, but his bridges are true hidden gems in his songwriting.
Furthermore, this album perfectly flaunts Sombr’s impressive vocal range. Each song bounces between deep, gravelly notes and high, falsetto tones. Multiple songs star long, intricate runs and grand octave jumps, highlighting his years of classical training and emphasizing the distinctive sound he’s created for himself.
Now it wouldn’t be a proper description of I Barely Know Her without discussing the creative lyrics present throughout the album. Seemingly simple on the surface, his lyrics often feature thoughtful nuances that can be interpreted multiple ways by listeners. From metaphors with “I was the lamppost to which you were tethered” in “undressed,” to fun wordplay with “you’re a ten, and I’m a man that needs a dime” in “dime,” and even delving into French with “‘can I sit with you, comment ça se fait?’” in “12 to “12,” Sombr constantly finds innovative ways to describe his melancholic situations.
Personally, I will have this album on repeat for the foreseeable future. Its snappy instruments and modern vocals make it intoxicating to sing along to, and despite the short runtime—only 38 minutes!—each song is unique enough that it doesn’t sound repetitive. Although it’s hard to pick favorites, mine are probably “12 to 12,” “dime,” “come closer,” and “we never dated.”
Stream I Barely Know Her, available on all platforms.