Tamar Berk’s fifth album, ocd bursts with memorably dynamic energy and unfiltered emotion, blending fuzz-soaked guitars, swirling synths, and melodic hooks with replay-inducing appeal. At once raw and luminous, the record thrives on contrast — loud catharsis meeting hushed reflection — as the California-based artist turns cycles of doubt, memory, and obsession into something strikingly vivid and deeply relatable.
The album kicks off with the riveting track “stay close by” — which caught our ears with its ’90s alt-rock nostalgia last month — and doesn’t let up in quality from there. The ensuing title track envelops with a more introspective haziness, touting a bouncy alt-pop charm as Wurlitzer, trumpet, and synths intertwine with harmonious allure.
The album’s one-two opening punch share an immediate knack for melody, across both rock-set and pop-minded appeal, reminding of Wolf Alice’s versatility. Check out the title track’s music video here, as well.
Another standout, “time zone” finds middle ground between the pop and rock entrancement — the former apparent in string-touched verses and breezy vocal lushness, while a guitar solo invokes the rock-friendly energy. Meanwhile, its lyrics play like a vignette about long-distance loneliness and the small rituals that amplify absence. “You’ve already poured your first glass of wine / I’ve got 3 hours before I pour mine,” Berk sings, another showcase of emotively impactful and relatable songwriting.
“indiesleaze 2020” is another highlight with its chirpy guitars and serene vocals, while album finale “ghost stories” moves from solemn folk into soaring rock catharsis — concluding ocd with the resonating “these are my ghost stories I’ll take to my grave” line. ocd is a thoroughly enveloping success from Tamar Berk.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
