Barren Womb - Old Money New Lows (2018)

Nearly three years since their last full-length release, the Nordic heavy noise rockers in Barren Womb return with Old Money / New Lows, a jarring, mid-tempo dirge in 8 movements that sees the band further evolving into an animal all of its own. From the sparse drumming and venomous narrative of album-opener "Crook Look," all the way through to the haunting, epic finale of "Russian Handkerchief," Old Money / New Lows repeatedly hits like a ton of bricks. And while there’s heaviness by the truckload here, there’s also a catchiness behind the the nastiness. Accompanying the wall of abrasive guitars, screamed vocals, and pummeling drums is newfound pop sensibility and a tackle box full of hooks in the tradition of the finest AmRep and Dischord bands from years long past.