UK artist and creative disruptor Bakar has unleashed his latest eight-track enthralling album BEASTIE. Fresh off of his feature on Justin Bieber’s “DON’T WANNA”, the genre- outlier has shared his most phenomenal music to date. Filled with unpredictable and immersive sonic collisions, BEASTIE is short for Boys Entering Anarchistic States Towards Inner Excellence, a theme that pulses throughout the album.
BEASTIE opens with "bleach", a slow-burning and captivating song all about unrequited love. The emotion filled narrative chronicles a one sided relationship and wrestling with this unbalance. Mesmerizing acoustic guitar lines underlay atmospheric soundscapes and Bakar's soul-drenched vocals. He sings, "You won't try for me / I can taste the bleach / I'll die for you," showing this relatable narrative.
The next track "Lonyo!" shows Bakar paying homage to the UK hit track "Summer of Love" by producer Lonyo. Using a sample of the song, Bakar puts his signature spin on the 2000s banger. "Lonyo!" is filled with sporadic beats and colorful percussion as he sings words of devotion all about the summer of love. "I want you to know / That my heart and soul is with you / And you should know / I'll do anything you want me to." Sun-kissed R&B vocals entice with every note over the upbeat and dance-worthy embrace. The single is shared alongside a fun-loving and creative music video directed by renowned English-French director-writer-photographer Tom Emmerson.
Then there is "Backseat", a heartfelt plea for connection, repair, and continued love. Emotive keys, lush guitars, and Bakar's incredible vocals create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and cinematic. The chorus is irresistible and it lingers long after the song ends, tugging at the listener’s heart with its sincerity and a charismatic melody. Bakar shows his ability to write songs that go straight to the soul, blending vulnerability with undeniable musical craftsmanship. It’s the kind of track that makes you stop, listen, and feel every word.
Other highlights include "Bitty," which begins with a soul-stirring guitar riff and dreamy backdrops, soon unleashing into an unexpected sonic direction complete with hyper beats and static-drenched bass, showing Bakar’s willingness to experiment and defy genre expectations. The track feels simultaneously introspective and kinetic, capturing the tension between reflection and chaos that runs throughout the album.
Meanwhile, "Hey Doc" serves as the perfect closing statement. Otherworldly, atmospheric, and narrative-driven, it leaves listeners in a reflective state, blending ethereal soundscapes with Bakar’s poignant lyrics. The song encapsulates the album’s central theme of personal exploration and inner conflict, rounding out BEASTIE with a sense of completion and emotional resonance.
BEASTIE as a whole demonstrates Bakar’s remarkable growth as an artist. Each track is meticulously crafted, balancing experimental textures with relatable narratives. From heartfelt ballads to genre-bending bangers, the album is a testament to his ability to captivate, challenge, and move his audience. Bakar doesn’t just make music, he creates an experience, and BEASTIE is his most compelling and ambitious statement yet.
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