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Tag: pop rock

  • Sombr’s Debut Album I Barely Know Her is the Soundtrack to the Summer of Yearning

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    There’s no doubt about it; it’s been the summer of yearning. If it’s not our hearts breaking as Conrad pines for Belly in the new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, it’s falling into Raif’s devotion to Maria in Madonna in a Fur Coat (which we’re thrilled to see reclaiming space on bookshelves). And now, we have the soundtrack to it all: Sombr’s debut album, I Barely Know Her.

    The ten-track project blends fan favorites like ’12 to 12’ and ‘Undressed’ with brand-new songs that capture nostalgia, longing, and the thrill of experiencing such intense emotions for the first time. Written entirely by Sombr (born Shane Boose) and co-produced with the legendary Tony Berg, the album feels both intimate and expansive. No wonder he shot to number one on Alternative Radio faster than any new artist in the past decade. This is raw talent, undeniable and magnetic.

    Image Source: Courtesy of Warner Records PR

    To celebrate the release (and to fully indulge in the yearning that’s taken over our prefrontal cortex), we’re breaking down the album I Barely Know Her, track-by-track.

    ‘Crushing’

    The alt-pop opener sets the tone of the project. Sombr wears his heart on his sleeve, wanting to hold his lover out in the open and revel in that joy. But then the chorus hits, and we’re thrust into the reality of their ending. Wrapped in a groovy beat, the song paints vivid imagery, like Sombr stumbling past the corner store, drunk with heartbreak. As a Lower East Side native, his city roots pulse through the track. It’s the perfect introduction to the album’s world of lust, love, heartache, and possibility.

    ’12 to 12′

    Who knew Sombr was a poet? Actually, we did! He’s already proven himself to be one of the most compelling lyricists of his generation. With a line like “I don’t want anyone else from the hours of 12 to 12,” he manages to turn obsession into something achingly romantic. 24/7 is out, ’12 to 12′ is in! Released as a single with a music video starring Addison Rae, the track carries a Parisian city-night vibe we can’t get enough of.

    ‘I wish I knew how to quit you’

    The album slows down here, opening with a tranquil soundscape before Sombr admits how completely consumed he is by someone. This is yearning distilled into music, this project, and our entire summers. With echoes of 80s nostalgia, it feels like it belongs on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. Some of our favorite lyrics include: “You’re the echo in my veins” and “I’ll write a book with all the reasons I could call you my home.” It’s almost as if we’re reading a 2025 version of Alex Turner’s letter to Alexa Chung. Oh, what a time to be alive!

    ‘Back to Friends’

    The track we all know and love sits at the midpoint of the album. Although it was released back in December of 2024, with each listen, it feels brand new. Written and produced solely by Shane, this track quickly became his breakout single and marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It truly cemented his sound as an artist and fits the theme of I Barely Know Her perfectly.

    ‘Canal Street’

    With what we feel has a country-tinged edge, Sombr explores a different side of his sound. Walking down Canal Street, he’s surrounded by temptation and spectacle, but everything is haunted by memories of a past love. No matter how hard he tries to move on (calling her name through the radio, searching for her traits in strangers), he can’t shake her ghost. We’re wiping away a tear as we write this.

    ‘Dime’

    Shifting the tempo upward, ‘Dime’ is an indie-pop love song full of longing and admiration. Sombr imagines himself imperfect but determined to give everything to a girl who feels like a 10/10. It’s playful, romantic, and quietly desperate in the best way. If we were on the merchandising team, we’d create a fun slogan tee that flips the lyrics and says, “We’re a fan that needs a dime.” See what we did there!

    ‘Undressed’

    The whole world has been talking about ‘Undressed,’ from the punchy sound to the poetic lyrics. In fact, the lyricism is what we love most about this track, lyrics like “I don’t wanna learn another scent, I don’t want the children of another man to have the eyes of the girl that I won’t forget.” You can read our deep dive into Sombr’s lyrics, including iconic lines from ‘Undressed,’ in our article here.

    ‘Come Closer’

    Fueled by electric guitars and a pulsing beat, this track captures the urgency of wanting someone fully. Half-love just won’t cut it. Sombr’s storytelling shines here, transporting us to a dimly lit restaurant on the Lower East Side. His roots ground the song in lived experience, making the imagery so vivid it practically plays out like a film in our minds.

    ‘We Never Dated’

    A personal favorite here at THP, ‘We Never Dated’ manages to do so much in just 3 minutes and 17 seconds. With an indie-rock edge reminiscent of classic alternative bands, the track leans into the comparisons fans often make between Sombr and full-band sounds (which, let’s be honest, only makes his artistry more impressive). At its core, the song captures the universal ache of yearning for someone you never truly had. They consume your thoughts daily, even without the history of a relationship. And really, haven’t we all been there?

    ‘Under the mat’

    The album closes softly but powerfully. ‘Under the Mat’ reflects on differences in upbringing and the realization that love transcends those divides. The locked door and the key hidden under the mat become metaphors for endings that still hold a shimmer of possibility. And it’s this youthful naivety that we can all relate to. It’s tender, bittersweet, and the perfect note to leave us on.

    For a project so anticipated, and with the question on the tip of everyone’s tongues asking for a release date, it makes perfect sense that the last line of the album is “That’s the album, man.” The closure is authentic, and it feels like we’ve been personally gifted this masterpiece. And to that, all we can say is, “Thank you, Sombr.”

    I Barely Know Her feels like opening Sombr’s diary; it’s personal, vulnerable, and unflinchingly honest. With raw storytelling, vivid imagery, and a sound that drips with nostalgia. Sombr has truly cemented himself as the new voice of modern yearning. Plus, with his upcoming tour across Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, we can’t wait to see how these songs transpire on the stage. Will you be catching him on tour? Let us know your thoughts on Sombr’s album, I Barely Know Her, in the comments or on social media across Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

    You can read more about Sombr here.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOMBR: 
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | OFFICIAL WEBSITE | TIKTOK | X | YOUTUBE

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    Joanna Rose

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  • EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Haunter Reminds ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls’ To Stay Authentic

    EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Haunter Reminds ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls’ To Stay Authentic

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    Honey Bees, we think we found our newest obsession, and yours too! We have an exclusive premiere of ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls’ by Haunter, a Pop-Rock/Alternative band. What are we going to do with that inside scoop? We’re giving you a rundown of the band, song, and lyrics, of course!

    Who Is Haunter?

    As we stated before, Haunter is a Pop-Rock/Alternative band based in Houston, Texas that has been on the scene since 2020 when they released their debut single ‘Love You Better’. Haunter consists of four members that include vocalist Lucy Lenoir, guitarist Enoma Asowata, bassist Mark Schroeder, and guitarist and synthist Mike Ray. And Haunter has had quite some success since stepping onto the scene, but we might be a bit biased.

    In March of 2024, SiriusXM Octane featured their song ‘Paralyze’ nationwide and when it comes to streaming, the band has obtained over 1 Million streams on all streaming platforms. Multiple official Pandora stations, including DECIBEL!, Today’s Hard Rock, Pop-Punk, and New Rock have also featured them.

    If you enjoy artists like Paramore, Honey Revenge, Charlotte Sands, Meet Me @ The Altar, and Chvrches, we recommend you check out Haunter.

    Behind The Song ‘City Boys x City Girls’

    “City Boys x Pretty Girls” is a tongue-in-cheek, candy coated pop-punk “diss track”.

    Enoma Asowata

    ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls,’ a song co-written with Tyler Smyth, is a pop-punk anthem. The song is based on a true story about a run-in the band had with a couple of influencers while attending a party. While it’s technically a “diss track,” Haunter also reminds everyone to stay authentic through their lyrics. Being famous is cool, but staying true to who you are and what you believe in is better.

    Behind The Lyrics

    Staring at a screen again
    Pretending all these likes are friends
    Drunk on adrenaline, 'cause we don't want this rush to end

    Haunter grabs our attention with the first few lines of the song. Some people focus too much on their devices, particularly social media, and that’s only half of what these lyrics highlight. It doesn’t take the band too long to call out the people who focus too much on likes. People pretend that having lots of likes equals having friends on social media; however, this is not the case.

    Not everyone on social media is your friend, especially not everyone who likes your latest post. Some do it to show support for others, but unless you’ve built the connection, it’s good to remember that the people who liked your post aren’t automatically your friends because you want them to be. That’s not to say that one can’t make that happen because one can. However, you have to put in the effort first.

    You're high on yourself, you might lose control
    Chasing glitter never gold

    Here’s one example of where Haunter lets people know to be themselves. While trying to be famous, whether it’s internet famous or offline, many people often lose themselves to the spotlight. This is why the first line of the lyric above is followed by “chasing glitter, never gold.” We’ve all heard the aphorism, “All that glitters is not gold.” Glitter, in that case, and the lyrics symbolize something fake. Instead of chasing something that isn’t valuable or meaningful in the long run, Haunter wants listeners to focus on what’s real and important while staying true to who they are and what they believe in.

    City boys and pretty girls around the world
    Yeah, it isn't that serious
    Only doing things when you can serve yourself
    Same as everybody else

    Haunter reminds everyone that being internet famous isn’t that serious. One may find it cool and nice, but it means nothing if it is solely done to please others. They suggest that instead of trying to benefit others, one should focus on their well-being and ignore others’ opinions. It’s an important message for those who might want to chase internet stardom and others.

    Another party more fake friends
    But they won't be there in the end

    Here’s another instance where Haunter sings about friends. While singing about fake friends, they could also be singing about the party that inspired “City Boys x Pretty Girls.” In the influencer world, some people may appear to be friends, but in actuality, their friendship is merely for show or, to put it another way, for social media. When push comes to shove, nine out of ten times, having those people around will benefit someone. But when one needs them, they won’t be found.

    Watch the premiere of ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls’ below!

    Listen to ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls’ here!

    We don’t know about you, but we think Haunter has a hit song on their hands with ‘City Boys x Pretty Girls.’ Do you agree? What do you think about the song?

    Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to contact us via  @thehoneypop, Facebook, or Instagram if you prefer that route.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAUNTER:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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    Cherrelle Johnson

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  • 5 Tours To Wrap Up Your 2024 Concert Lineup

    5 Tours To Wrap Up Your 2024 Concert Lineup

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    Can you believe we’re already in the eighth month of 2024? We’re not quite yet at the end of the year, but it’s creeping up on us quickly! As summer concerts have come to a close, our post-concert depression has hit. If you’re experiencing the same thing, don’t worry. We’re here to help you cure your PCD with concerts like Def Leppard / Journey and Post Malone that will fill in the rest of your concert lineup.

    Def Leppard / Journey: The Summer Stadium Tour

    This tour has to be one of the most iconic tours ever! This past summer, Def Leppard and Journey teamed up on a stadium tour with openers Steve Miller Band and Cheap Trick. Attendees can expect five hours full of rock anthems, which, if you ask us, is a dream come true! The tour only has a few dates left so run, don’t walk for your chance to attend the remaining shows. Tickets are available for purchase, here.

    Courtesy of Full Coverage Communications

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DEF LEPPARD:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOURNEY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Taking Back Sunday North America 2024 Tour

    If you’ve attended Coachella or Bonnaroo, Taking Back Sunday might sound familiar to you! Following the band’s performance at these festivals, they’ve kicked off the second leg of their North America Tour. If you’re into Pop Rock / Pop Punk, this tour will be a great time for you. If you can’t make one of these shows, you can also find them co-headlining with The Used this fall! Tickets for both tours are available for purchase, here.

    Courtesy of Big Picture Media

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAKING BACK SUNDAY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY |  TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Four Year Strong Fall 2024 Tour

    Four Year Strong will be kicking off their fall headline tour on October 30th! This tour is the perfect fit for any fans of experimental pop punk music, their unique sound shines in ‘aftermath / afterthought’ and ‘uncooked.’ That same sound will undoubtedly be present in their new album analysis paralysis. The album is releasing on August 9th and is available for pre-save here. If you like what you hear, purchase tickets to the tour, here.

    Courtesy of Big Picture Media

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FOUR YEAR STRONG:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

    Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion Tour

    It’s no secret how much we love Post Malone here at the hive, so naturally, we had to mention his tour! He’s had a busy year, collaborating with Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, and more. We can’t wait to see what songs make the setlist and all the other fun things that come with touring! The tour will be kicking off on September 8th, and if you want to be there, tickets are available here.

    Courtesy of LEDE

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POST MALONE:
    DISCORD | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Carrie Underwood’s Reflection: Las Vegas Residency

    Carrie Underwood making history? We’re not surprised. She is the first-ever resident headliner at Resorts World Theatre and will have her next performance there on August 14th, running until October 26th. The chance to hear her hit songs like ‘Before He Cheats’ and ‘Blown Away’ is too much to resist. Can’t make these upcoming dates? No worries, you can also purchase tickets for March – April 2025 dates. If you’re like us and you need tickets, you can buy them here.

    Courtesy of Full Coverage Communications

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CARRIE UNDERWOOD:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    We could go on forever about all of the amazing upcoming tours but we won’t keep you. What’s your 2024 concert season looking like for the rest of the year? Will you be attending any of these shows? Tweet us @TheHoneyPop or find us buzzing on Facebook or Instagram to share your concert lineup!

    For more music!

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    Alyssa Madison

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