Norwegian noise rock duo Barren Womb toe a fine line between tuneful and terse on their brand new single, “Squat Walker,” that we’re premiering here today. The track is the first to be released from the band’s upcoming fifth full-length, Chemical Tardigrade, which is set for release in February 2024. What may be the most interesting part of that last sentence is the word “tardigrade,” which we had to look up. And, honestly, we regret doing that, because tardigrades—also known as “moss piglets” or “water bears”—are kind of creepy. But back to “Squat Walker,” which sounds both slightly unhinged and yet direct and punchy, like a perfect combination of the Refused and Rocket From the Crypt. Lots of thump, strum and bark in one tight 3:49 package from Timo Silvola and Tony Gonzalez.
Chemical Tardigrade was recorded and mixed in late 2022/early 2023 by Eirik Øien at Fjøset Lystudio. It was produced by Eirik Øien and the band, and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Music. It’s set for a digital limited vinyl release via Fucking North Pole Records/Blues For The Red Sun on February 16, 2024.
The band had this to say about its latest single:
“Darkness is by far our favorite color. So naturally, we’ve been painting most of our lyrical themes in that particular color scheme since the very beginning. With ‘Squat Walker’ we wanted to try a more optimistic approach, allowing some rays of hope to shine through. The result is a hooky protest song about the value of not giving up and of fighting for what you believe is good and true.”
