American Aquarium is an alternative country band from Raleigh, North Carolina, that blends rock, twang, and grit in their songs. The band was formed in 2006 by lead vocalist and guitarist BJ Barham, who named the band after a Wilco song. Since then, the band has gone through several lineup changes, but has always maintained a loyal fan base and a reputation for energetic live shows.
The band has released seven albums, each showcasing Barham's honest and heartfelt lyrics about love, loss, and life in the South. Their most acclaimed album, Burn. Flicker. Die., was produced by Jason Isbell and was intended to be their farewell record, but instead gave them a new lease on life and a wider audience. The album features songs like "I Hope He Breaks Your Heart" and "Saturday Nights", which capture the band's raw and rocking sound.
American Aquarium's latest album, Lamentations, was released in 2020 and reflects Barham's personal and political struggles in the wake of becoming a father and witnessing the turmoil of his country. The album is a powerful and poignant statement from a band that has never shied away from telling the truth, even when it hurts. American Aquarium continues to tour and record, proving that they are one of the most resilient and relevant bands in the Americana scene.