sombr - I Barely Know Her [Standard Black Vinyl LP]

Twenty-year-old New York artist sombr (Shane Boose) transforms viral bedroom-pop success into a confident debut with I Barely Know Her, a collection that explores heartbreak and self-discovery through the lens of Lower East Side authenticity. After his 2022 single "caroline" went viral and "Back to Friends" became a global phenomenon in early 2025, topping Spotify charts and reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, the MTV VMA Best New Artist nominee found himself commanding sold-out arenas worldwide at an age when most artists are still finding their voice. Written entirely by sombr and co-produced with legendary producer Tony Berg, whose credits include Phoebe Bridgers and boygenius, these 10 tracks chart a breakup record that balances romanticized New York City imagery with everyday emotional reality. The album cracked the top five in eight countries and demonstrated that TikTok virality could translate into substantive artistic statements when backed by genuine songwriting craft.

The album opens with "Crushing," establishing the emotional stakes before "12 to 12" delivers one of sombr's biggest singles with layered harmonies and infectious melodies. "Back to Friends" remains the centerpiece, the track that surpassed one billion Spotify streams and made sombr the first to reach number one on both Alternative Airplay and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts simultaneously. "Canal Street" serves as what critics called the album's emotional core, drawing comparisons to Olivia Rodrigo's confessional intensity while maintaining sombr's distinct voice. "Undressed" showcases the vulnerability that first captured attention, and "Come Closer" pairs confident performances with intricate vocal arrangements. "We Never Dated" and "Under the Mat" continue exploring relationship complexities with the self-awareness that separates sombr from typical viral success stories. Throughout, sombr plays guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums on most tracks, proving his musicianship extends beyond catchy hooks.

This standard black vinyl pressing captures the album's pop-infused indie rock production with clarity that reveals every layered harmony and textured arrangement. The vinyl format enhances the dynamic range between intimate acoustic moments and fuller band arrangements, preserving the bedroom-pop roots while showcasing the festival-ready sound sombr developed with Berg's guidance. For an artist who amassed over 50 million monthly Spotify listeners and made his late-night television debut on The Tonight Show within months of breaking through, this physical release offers a tangible connection to one of 2025's most meteoric rises.

• Format: Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Back to Friends," "Canal Street," "12 to 12"
• Pressing details: Warner Records release, co-produced with Tony Berg, debut studio album
• Genre/style: Indie Pop, Bedroom Pop, Alternative Rock, Pop Rock
• UPC: 093624827771

This vinyl edition preserves the debut that transformed sombr from viral sensation into one of contemporary pop's most compelling emerging voices, delivering emotional resonance alongside undeniable commercial appeal.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. crushing
2. 12 to 12
3. i wish i knew how to quit you
4. back to friends
5. canal street

Side B:

1. dime
2. undressed
3. come closer
4. we never dated
5. under the mat