Aftercare by Nessa Barrett; wow—this is a heavy one, in the best way possible. Nessa has a unique ability to turn her inner struggles into raw music, and with Aftercare, she’s really letting us into some of the darkest corners of her mind. This album is like a journey through her experiences with heartbreak, self-discovery, and mental health, and it’s probably the most vulnerable she’s ever sounded.
The whole album is built around this theme of finding solace after emotional chaos—hence the title, Aftercare. It’s like she’s letting us in on her own healing process, but she’s not sugar-coating anything. The opening track "Aftercare" sets the tone immediately, with these dark, atmospheric beats that almost feel like they’re pulling you underwater. Nessa’s vocals are soft but piercing, almost like she’s whispering secrets in your ear, and her lyrics cut right to the heart.
One of the standout tracks for me is "Stay Alive". It’s this beautifully sad song where Nessa is reflecting on her struggles with anxiety and feeling trapped inside her own head. She’s not just talking about it, though; you can actually feel it. The production is full of eerie synths and echoing drums that give the whole song a feeling of tension, like you’re right there with her, battling those inner demons. Her voice is fragile but intense, like she’s barely holding it together, and that just makes it hit even harder.
Another favourite is "Pins and Needles". This track feels like a release—a moment of peace amidst all the darkness. She’s singing about letting go of past hurt, but it’s not this easy, carefree release; it’s painful, it’s raw, and it’s real. The production is stripped back, with just a gentle guitar and her vocals, and it really lets her words shine. It’s like you’re watching her take a deep breath and finally accept things she can’t change.
One thing I love about Aftercare is that Nessa doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of healing. She’s not pretending that everything’s fine now; instead, she’s embracing the ups and downs, the moments of clarity mixed with doubt. It’s such an honest portrayal of mental health and self-reflection, and that’s what makes it so relatable. You can tell she’s really poured her soul into this project.
The production across the album is dark and moody, with this blend of electronic and acoustic elements that give each song its own space while still tying everything together. It feels like you’re going on this journey with her, from the depths of pain to moments of light. And through it all, her vocals are just stunning. Nessa has this soft but gritty tone that makes you hang on to every word, and it feels like she’s talking directly to you.
Aftercare isn’t just an album you casually listen to; it’s one you have to feel. Nessa’s bringing us along as she faces her fears and learns to let go, and honestly, it’s one of the most powerful things I’ve heard from her. If you’re in the mood for an album that’s going to make you reflect and probably get a little emotional, this is the one. Nessa Barrett is showing us that healing is complicated, beautiful, and definitely worth the journey.
So, if you haven’t already, go give Aftercare a listen. It’s an album that’s as intense as it is beautiful, and it proves once again that Nessa Barrett is a voice for anyone trying to find their way through the dark.
Words by Luna Cardoso
