American Aquarium is based in North Carolina, and the group’s frontman, B.J. Barham, is from Reidsville and is loyal to his community and his state. As the songwriter of the outfit, Barham uses the painful experiences of life as his material, and in so doing, helps overcome the trauma that can result from these occurrences. Barham reasons that when people are overwhelmed with life changes, they often feel no one can understand. By sharing his experiences in his songs, he gives people the reassurance they are not alone.
The theme most usually found in the outfit’s songs is loss, often of people, and the loss of drive and ability that comes as people get older. Though the subject matter may be bleak, the songs are seen as uplifting by many fans and critics.
American Aquarium has released 14 albums, with the latest, “Chicamacomico” dropping in 2022. The name comes from a lifesaving station on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, built in 1874. Critics note that the album title is perfect for a work about loss, since the station saved lives.
A review says:
“These guys are really great. . . . Lead singer/front man is really funny and gives some really nice commentary to the songs and meanings.”
American Aquarium will be at the Globe Hall on August 18. Organizers of this type of event can draw audiences by using poster printing to create compelling advertising.