Johanna Warren's fifth album, Chaotic Good, is a grungey statement from an artist looking to redefine herself. Taking a step away from her folk-leaning roots, Warren leans into the roleplay aspect of her Dungeons & Dragons-referencing album title to take a risk on a bold choice and embrace the freedom that move brings with it.
Today Warren is sharing "Bed Of Nails" as the first taste of the record, due May 1 via Wax Nine, Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz's Carpark Records imprint. Unvarnished chords rub up against a sparse synth melody to create a hypnotic loop over which Warren's questioning lyrics lay open her rawest emotions.
Speaking about the song via email, Warren said: "The chorus, "each day it's a little harder to believe," has a sort of double meaning. Like, it can be hard to see the good in people and stay optimistic in a world that seems to be falling apart... but simultaneously we're waking up and starting to question the lies, feeling the matrix of illusion loosening its grip, the old story losing its power."
Chaotic Good is available to pre-order now. Check out the "Bed of Nails" video at the top of the page.
Thumbnail image by Shervin Lainez.