Sombr – ‘I Barely Know Her’ Review: Smirking Sad Boy Pop That Packs a Punch

Sombr’s ‘I Barely Know Her’ blends heartfelt indie pop with slick production, delivering a smirking take on sad boy anthems.

Diving Into Sombr’s World of Heartache and Hope

If you’ve ever found yourself nursing a heartbreak while trying to appear cool about it, Sombr’s debut album I Barely Know Her might just sound like your personal soundtrack. The stage name itself—Sombr—hints at the classic “sad boy” indie vibe, and this 20-year-old artist embraces it fully, yet with a clever twist. His breakout single Undressed features the painfully relatable line: “There’s nothing worse than seeing your lover moving on while you still suffer.” Sombr doesn’t just wallow in sorrow; he smirks through it, delivering mopey tunes that are as catchy as they are heartfelt.

From Bedroom Pop to Festival Stages: The Rise of Sombr

It’s fascinating to witness how Sombr’s journey evolved. After his stripped-back, lo-fi 2022 singles like Caroline and Through It All went viral, he dropped out of school to pursue music full-time. But I Barely Know Her isn’t just a rough bedroom demo slapped together for clout. Instead, it’s a sleek, ambitious project crafted for big venues and festival main stages. Sombr wrote all ten tracks himself and co-produced the album with Tony Berg, known for his work with indie favorites such as Phoebe Bridgers and Katie Gavin of MUNA.

The anticipation for the album was intense, especially after the massive success of singles like Undressed and Back To Friends—the latter a brilliant mashup of Gotye’s haunting Somebody I Used To Know and Foster The People’s catchy Pumped Up Kicks. These two tracks alone have amassed over 1.1 billion Spotify streams, becoming anthems of a sorrowful summer.

But here’s the catch: I Barely Know Her is far from a hastily thrown-together album. It’s a thoughtful, well-produced record that signals Sombr’s intent to build a lasting music career rather than riding the viral wave.

Sombr’s Sound: Vulnerability Meets Swagger

The album kicks off with Crushing, a song that mixes swaggering rock ’n’ roll with raw emotional honesty. Sombr croons, “Sometimes, I feel like I could leave this place / But then I think about my mother’s face,” setting a tone that’s both defiant and tender. Then there’s Come Closer, a surprisingly sunny indie-pop tune where Sombr revels in moments of euphoric joy. Trust me, it suits him more than you might expect.

Not Just Hits: Hidden Gems Shine Bright

While the viral singles grab the most attention, some of the album’s best moments lie in unexpected places. Take Dime, a country-tinged stomper brimming with passion and self-awareness. Or 12 To 12, which pumps undeniable disco-rock funk that could easily become one of 2025’s biggest songs. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to get up and dance even if you’re nursing a broken heart.

The album closes with Under The Mat, a nearly five-minute storytelling masterpiece. Here, Sombr showcases his lyrical prowess, crafting personal yet universally relatable tales wrapped in soaring stadium pop and glam rock flair.

A Smirking Sad Boy Indie Anthem for the Ages

Despite the album being rooted deeply in heartache, I Barely Know Her bursts with dynamic energy and emotional catharsis. Sombr’s music isn’t about drowning in misery; it’s about facing pain with a knowing smirk, transforming it into something catchy, relatable, and downright good fun.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing your lover moving on while you still suffer” — Sombr

Album Details

• Record label: Warner Music
• Release date: August 22, 2025

FAQ

• What genre is Sombr’s music?
  Sombr’s music is primarily sad boy indie with elements of bedroom pop, rock, disco, and occasional country influences.
• Who produced ‘I Barely Know Her’?
  The album was co-produced by Sombr (Shane Boose) himself alongside Tony Berg, who has worked with notable indie artists.
• Which singles from the album are most popular?
  Undressed and Back To Friends have been especially successful, with over 1.1 billion Spotify streams combined.
• What themes does the album explore?
  The album deals with heartbreak, longing, vulnerability, self-awareness, and ultimately emotional catharsis.
• Is Sombr’s album suitable for live performances?
  Absolutely. The slick production and confident songwriting make it perfect for big venues and festival stages.

If you’re moved by the heartfelt storytelling and catchy vibes of I Barely Know Her, why not bring a piece of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover poster and celebrate the smirking sad boy pop spirit at Architeg Prints.