Hank Barbe knows exactly what it means to face the brutal reality of conflict. As a former Marine and Army combat veteran who spent nearly twelve years in uniform, including serving as a DUSTOFF flight medic in Iraq, his perspective is forged in high-stakes survival. Now fronting the San Antonio-based rock outfit Three Beards, Barbe channels these intense lived experiences into the band’s latest EP, ‘Anxiety’. Releasing on Remembrance Day, this five-track project cuts through the posturing that often plagues the rock genre, delivering an authentic reflection of mortality and combat.
It is rare to find a record so deeply anchored in actual frontline reporting. Alongside drummer and fellow armed forces veteran Julien Menchana, Barbe crafts a sound that feels heavy with purpose. The inspiration for the EP stems not just from his 2003 medevac missions, where he kept a wounded friend alive by hand in the back of a helicopter, but also from his 2022 humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Travelling to the Donbas, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regions with filmmaker Justin D. Roberts of Echo Bravo Productions, Barbe faced artillery fire and witnessed the stark reality of underground living in subway stations. He even brought a brief respite to those sheltering in repurposed trains by playing his guitar.
These moments permeate ‘Anxiety’, ensuring that none of the material feels light-hearted or happy-go-lucky. Instead, a palpable tension and raw emotional weight hold the project together. While the themes are undeniably heavy, exploring the complexities of interpersonal relationships amidst chaos, the EP manages to remain a grounded and compelling listen rather than a bleak one. The instrumentation provides a solid, gritty foundation that perfectly matches Barbe's straightforward vocal delivery. It is an honest piece of work that avoids the temptation to romanticise trauma, offering instead a sincere tribute to those who strive to protect others.
There’s a hard-earned honesty behind each of the five tracks, something that can’t be faked or conjured. When Hank sings about war, fear, and hurt, he’s coming from a place of truth and experience. From riding a captured Russian tank in Bucha to his relentless drive to help others, there is no need to embellish. Here, honesty and integrity shine, bringing weight and heart to every moment.
‘Anxiety’ stands as a powerful testament to survival, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking music with genuine grit and consequence. To keep pace with the band's unflinching musical despatches, lock into Three Beards' digital frequencies and enlist as a follower on Facebook and Instagram.
