I had a pretty cool moment on a recent Tuesday when Mike from Sweet Beef Agency in San Diego reached out to me with a chance to preview this album (which has since been released on 01.30…no waiting for you if you want to check it out right away).  As this was a new artist to me the brief bio Mike included on Berang was a big help.  This is a solo project of Belgian singer-songwriter Bert Janssens who “plays heartfelt indie folk with a punk soul.”  That sounded like an interesting combination to explore so away I went on several run throughs of this release.

There is a definite folk music heart to all of the songs on Does It Ever Get Better?  Even when the tempos are up a bit you can feel it coming through.  The lead-off track “The Least Fortunate Timeline” has an eerie, almost mystical first twenty seconds before a yearning vocal cuts in over electrical guitar.  Drums soon follow and this one runs on a pretty punchy rhythm the remainder of the way with just a few pauses that almost seem like moments of reflection.  

The next two tracks, “Specific Ways of Being” (a boisterous number that fits right into the alt-rock genre) and “Valère” (heavier guitar tone here and pointed lyrics…and those drums are awesome!) lead you to “Don’t Keep Your Soul So Close.”   This song is a change of gears that steps down the volume considerably and simplifies the instrumentation.  I think it plays well in this spot on the set list and hands off well to “You’ll Be Alright,” which is a softer tune also and has a light, charming melody.  Standby for a bit of a ten second cosmic breakdown though around the 2:40 mark…a super interesting moment you are going to have to listen to for yourself to understand.  

The second half of the album kicks off with the title track which comes in with a bit of a punky edge and then runs in a pop-rock groove the rest of the way.  There is a nice little harmonica moment on this one also and overall it is one of those songs that sticks with you after listening.  Next up is “Safe and Satisfied” (a breathy ballad focused around a soft, looping acoustic guitar melody) followed by “A Form of Encouragement” (an infectious, guitar-charged number that I took positive energy from…although I have not quite figured out if it is intended that way…I’ll keep listening).    

Next up is “Fair Winds and Following Seas” a track with a dual-personalty that I think is great and which makes it my favorite on the album.  This is very much a simple folk song for the first 1:36, slow tempo and a poignant, heavy guitar sound with heartfelt vocals.  It can kind of lull you into a dreamy world which is swiftly turned around via a short bridge (distorted guitar and thundering drums) that transforms the music.  The second half of this song comes out fast and loud, overlaid by a buzzy, warm bass line.   A very cool example of how you can use song arrangement and composition to achieve a unique result and a great song.  The album closes out with “Support Of Any Kind” which is a pretty straightforward alt-rocker with some nice guitar moments added in.  It serves as a nice coda, echoing the general groove of the album while adding a touch of nostalgia and hope. 

This album is a noteworthy release and one that I think you will enjoy if you give it a listen.  Berang is clearly an artist with a lot of “real person performing meaningful music with conviction” running through his veins.  I will be keeping my ears open going forward.  

If you have an extra hour to check it out there is a video on YouTube of a live stream with Berang – pretty cool to watch.  It is definitely a solid singer-songwriter set and the sincerity as he performs is notable.  You can even see and hear some of the “punk spirit” referenced at the top of this review.  The video also includes some backstory for songs on Does It Ever Get Better?

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

I could not find a list of any other musicians on this but if anyone knows please reach out and I will get them added.  

You can purchase this now right here:

https://berang.bandcamp.com/album/does-it-ever-get-better

Please let me know your opinion also in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://www.instagram.com/berang_music/

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂