After decades on the road and the never-ending hustle of life as an artist, Lou Barlow has tapped into a new confidence in the chaos. In 2021, the concept of balance feels particularly intimidating. Now more than ever, it’s clear life isn’t just levelling out a pair of responsibilities. Instead, we’re chasing after a flock of different ideals with a butterfly net. On Barlow’s new solo album, “Reason To Live”, he has come to an understanding of that swirl rather than trying to contain it. The multitude of whirring messages in Reason To Live are united by Barlow’s roiling multilayered arrangements and the understanding that change is inevitable–and that it can bring you a new reason to live in the darkest times. “This album is me really opening up, and the album follows that through its many different themes,” he says. “Some of my other work could be almost claustrophobic in its insistence on being all tied together but there’s space for people to live inside these songs.”
“In My Arms” by Lou Barlow off ‘Reason to Live’ out on Joyful Noise Recordings.
The Fat Angel Sings 