Bartees Strange Teases 'Horror' Album With 'Sober' Video

For self-reflection Rocker “Sober” Bartees Strange learns something about himself: “I guess I never had a guide/That's why it's hard to be sober.” His guitar wails with tension behind his voice. And on the bridge he admits, “Sometimes I miss the boat, sometimes I make mistakes.” The song, which Jack Antonoff co-produced, ebbs and flows, and in the video you can see him emoting behind his dark sunglasses bypasses. The song, which follows “Lie 95,” can be heard on the artist’s upcoming third album. horrorwill be released on Valentine's Day.

“This song is about continually failing in a relationship and drinking because of it,” the artist said in a statement. “I think that’s something that a lot of people can probably relate to. Being in love but not being the best at showing it or feeling successful at it. And fear of always having to deal with it because you’ve never really seen a better example of how love works.”

On the album, he reflects on his family's traditional fears, which are supposed to be morals, and the strength he draws from watching people survive in his favorite horror films. “In a way, I think I made this record to reach people who might also be afraid of things in their lives,” Strange said. “For me, it is love, places, cosmic bad luck or the feeling of doom that I have struggled with for as long as I can remember. I think it's easier to deal with the horrors and strangeness of life when you realize that everyone around you feels the same way. … I try to feel close – so I'm less afraid.” In addition to Antonoff, Strange co-produced the album with Yves and Lawrence Rothman.

The artist has three tour dates in the US surrounding the album's release and one in London.

horror Track list

1. “Too much”
2. “Strike, break up”
3. “Sober”
4. “Baltimore”
5. “Lie 95”
6. “Wants, Needs”
7. “Lovers”
8. “Doomsday Buttercup”
9. “17”
10. “Loop Defender”
11. “Norf Gun”
12. “Backseat Banton”

Tour dates

February 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Paramount
February 15th – Washington, DC at 9:30am at the Club
February 19th – New York, NY at the Bowery Ballroom
February 26th – London, UK @ Oslo Hackney