“Neuropsychology and Carrots” a review of ‘Origins’ by The Human Project
Matt Stanley takes a slightly obscure look at the new Human Project album.
Sam and the beard he grew in an hour
I dont really like carrots. There’s nothing wrong with them per se, its just that for whatever reason, my brain tells me to spit whenever I taste one. Now im not saying that The Human Project is a carrot, but they are quite like a recipe containing carrots – of which there are plenty that I like. Listening to ‘Origins’ is like swimming through a hearty stew (take that Dr. Seuss) with irregular carroty consistencies. The biggest carrot for me on this record is the vocals. There just isn’t the passion that is vital in a genre such as this. The Human Project tackle some serious issues thematically, but there is a distinct lack of conviction aurally. While this does not necessarily mean the band are insincere, it just makes it harder to participate in the outrage. That isn’t to say the vocals are bad though, and – like carrots – once they’ve been digested a few times are easy to become accustomed to. Saying that, my favourite tracks on this album are definitely those where the carrots have an even consistency or are almost non-existent.
Beef bourguignon – nothing without carrots.
‘Tragedy of the commons’ is definitely my favourite song on ‘Origins’, and really shows that even when unfavourable ingredients are used, it’s possible to create a belter when they are masterfully handled. The songs essence is drawn from some great influences (whether intentional or sub-consciously absorbed through the aether), starting off like your favourite Failsafe song and powering through with a feeling early Thrice fans could get comfortable in. Though elsewhere on the album the singing is a moot point, there is a honey roasted glaze to the vocals on this track that perfectly compliments its gentler vibe. They remind me of when Dameirawere at their most charming, and are welcome where the atmosphere is one of persuasion over frustration. ‘Tragedy…’ also has my favourite chorus on the album, but not only that, it has the best breakdown too. A brooding section with an Alexisonfire-y vibe, that takes it time without ever becoming boring, before dropping into a delightfully screechy and interesting tech-headbang.
Another carrot prevalent through much of this album, manifests itself in the form of safety. A difficult concept to explain perhaps in a musical context, but let us not forget that this is politically charged punk rock. I need to share the frustrations of a band of this sort. Taste their sweat, experience their emotions, get a sense of how they felt when they transferred their art to record. Unfortunately, you rarely get that with The Human Project, which is a shame. It’s what prevents title track ‘Origins’ from being the poignant centrepiece it could so easily be, and instead makes it sound a bit like Neil Degrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins teamed up to write a song about young-earth inaccuracies after listening to Belvedere. It also makes heaviest track ‘No Brainer’ really stand out, which I guess is no bad thing, seeing as the song is an absolute ripper. The Human Project totally get their balls out in this song and its so refreshing to hear. Its almost completely lacking in carrots to the point that when they do appear they sound totally unique – like when the clean vocals kick in and it sounds like The Offspring turned up to party. Elsewhere on the album there are moments of genius blended in with the annoyingly average. A good example being on track ‘At what point’, which begins with a vocal hook – weak compared to the standards the band have set – before seamlessly blending into a deliciously melodic mid-section and ballsy barked pre-chorus which is absolutely fantastic.
Keep one of these handy
One thing I must stress, is that this is a very ‘good’ album. There is something infectious in each song, and I know that when I see them live I’ll be jumping around like a loon. It is just that for me, there is too much holding it back from being ‘great’. The band are clearly talented musicians and witty skeptic-evangelists. Hopefully the carrot analogy helped you to understand that this band could be totally up your street. Someone with a penchant for highly polished skate-punk will probably have an orgasm for this. As will those who value melody over emotion. I have enjoyed listening to and reviewing ‘Origins’ because its helped me realise that I can genuinely enjoy music that I would otherwise not have given the time of day to. Its made me think about how I decide what I ‘like’, and why I like it (it might be of interest to note that ‘Origins’ is more appealing to me through my laptop speakers than the clearer sound of my headphones), and just as importantly given me something interesting to write about.
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM HERE!
WATCH A VIDEO OF ‘ORIGINS’ LIVE HERE!
The beautifully moustachioed Rob Piper from Lockjaw Records has asked me to review a few releases over the next couple of months. These will be the first pieces I’ve written as a result of being asked, rather than because I wanted to, so if the tone is noticeably different that is probably why. Here is then, my review of ‘Origins’ by The Human Project.
‘Origins’ by The Human Project is 11 tracks of melodic skate-punk with a weighty dose of scepticism, and reviewing this record has proven to be an interesting experiment in neuropsychology for me. Initially, I wasnt really taken by the album, feeling that it was a bland addition to an already heaving genre. However, after leaving it a couple of days, I decided to show it to my pal Sam. Bizarrely, it sounded infinitely better with fresh ears and we both enjoyed giving it a listen. Sam reckoned it sounded like Propaghandi, and he would know, the guy can grow a beard just by concentrating. Under normal circumstances though, it’s unlikely that I would have given the album the time of day, and the episode left me feeling ponderous. Wondering how much great music I had allowed to slip through my fingers at the behest of a snap decision. It also left me thinking about carrots.
‘Origins’ by The Human Project is 11 tracks of melodic skate-punk with a weighty dose of scepticism, and reviewing this record has proven to be an interesting experiment in neuropsychology for me. Initially, I wasnt really taken by the album, feeling that it was a bland addition to an already heaving genre. However, after leaving it a couple of days, I decided to show it to my pal Sam. Bizarrely, it sounded infinitely better with fresh ears and we both enjoyed giving it a listen. Sam reckoned it sounded like Propaghandi, and he would know, the guy can grow a beard just by concentrating. Under normal circumstances though, it’s unlikely that I would have given the album the time of day, and the episode left me feeling ponderous. Wondering how much great music I had allowed to slip through my fingers at the behest of a snap decision. It also left me thinking about carrots.
Sam and the beard he grew in an hour
I dont really like carrots. There’s nothing wrong with them per se, its just that for whatever reason, my brain tells me to spit whenever I taste one. Now im not saying that The Human Project is a carrot, but they are quite like a recipe containing carrots – of which there are plenty that I like. Listening to ‘Origins’ is like swimming through a hearty stew (take that Dr. Seuss) with irregular carroty consistencies. The biggest carrot for me on this record is the vocals. There just isn’t the passion that is vital in a genre such as this. The Human Project tackle some serious issues thematically, but there is a distinct lack of conviction aurally. While this does not necessarily mean the band are insincere, it just makes it harder to participate in the outrage. That isn’t to say the vocals are bad though, and – like carrots – once they’ve been digested a few times are easy to become accustomed to. Saying that, my favourite tracks on this album are definitely those where the carrots have an even consistency or are almost non-existent.
Beef bourguignon – nothing without carrots.
‘Tragedy of the commons’ is definitely my favourite song on ‘Origins’, and really shows that even when unfavourable ingredients are used, it’s possible to create a belter when they are masterfully handled. The songs essence is drawn from some great influences (whether intentional or sub-consciously absorbed through the aether), starting off like your favourite Failsafe song and powering through with a feeling early Thrice fans could get comfortable in. Though elsewhere on the album the singing is a moot point, there is a honey roasted glaze to the vocals on this track that perfectly compliments its gentler vibe. They remind me of when Dameirawere at their most charming, and are welcome where the atmosphere is one of persuasion over frustration. ‘Tragedy…’ also has my favourite chorus on the album, but not only that, it has the best breakdown too. A brooding section with an Alexisonfire-y vibe, that takes it time without ever becoming boring, before dropping into a delightfully screechy and interesting tech-headbang.
Reliance Jio is about to launch its new product in the market. Acording to recent news, Reliance is looking forward to launching new DTH services in India, and you can apply it via Jio Setup Box Booking Online. Earlier, Reliance has launched Jio SIM card with free Internet and Free Calls for cheap prices.
Another carrot prevalent through much of this album, manifests itself in the form of safety. A difficult concept to explain perhaps in a musical context, but let us not forget that this is politically charged punk rock. I need to share the frustrations of a band of this sort. Taste their sweat, experience their emotions, get a sense of how they felt when they transferred their art to record. Unfortunately, you rarely get that with The Human Project, which is a shame. It’s what prevents title track ‘Origins’ from being the poignant centrepiece it could so easily be, and instead makes it sound a bit like Neil Degrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins teamed up to write a song about young-earth inaccuracies after listening to Belvedere. It also makes heaviest track ‘No Brainer’ really stand out, which I guess is no bad thing, seeing as the song is an absolute ripper. The Human Project totally get their balls out in this song and its so refreshing to hear. Its almost completely lacking in carrots to the point that when they do appear they sound totally unique – like when the clean vocals kick in and it sounds like The Offspring turned up to party. Elsewhere on the album there are moments of genius blended in with the annoyingly average. A good example being on track ‘At what point’, which begins with a vocal hook – weak compared to the standards the band have set – before seamlessly blending into a deliciously melodic mid-section and ballsy barked pre-chorus which is absolutely fantastic.
Keep one of these handy
One thing I must stress, is that this is a very ‘good’ album. There is something infectious in each song, and I know that when I see them live I’ll be jumping around like a loon. It is just that for me, there is too much holding it back from being ‘great’. The band are clearly talented musicians and witty skeptic-evangelists. Hopefully the carrot analogy helped you to understand that this band could be totally up your street. Someone with a penchant for highly polished skate-punk will probably have an orgasm for this. As will those who value melody over emotion. I have enjoyed listening to and reviewing ‘Origins’ because its helped me realise that I can genuinely enjoy music that I would otherwise not have given the time of day to. Its made me think about how I decide what I ‘like’, and why I like it (it might be of interest to note that ‘Origins’ is more appealing to me through my laptop speakers than the clearer sound of my headphones), and just as importantly given me something interesting to write about.