post rock
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We have totebags too now :)
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Now, that's a good question. "What makes us human?". Is it the fact that we have some sort of consciousness? Is it the illusion that we are on top of the food chain? Is it our imagination, our self-destructive behaviour? Or is it the fact that we have discovered a way of expressing emotions, events and ideas by using symbolic and abstract compositions? We sure know how to manipulate the world around us and we sure know how to describe it with art. That's what makes us human, I guess? Perhaps that "art" is also why there is now a band with the name This Makes Us Human.
Hailing from Rome, this post-rock quartet comes up with a nice and gentle approach to the genre. Inspired by bands like Explosions In The Sky, Sigur Ros, Caspian and This Will Destroy You, these Italians drench us in an excellent debut, but also into one that raises the expectations for if and when there will be a successor. The biggest advantage of this album is also its biggest flaw, but that's often the case with these debuts. Like I wrote, it is a splendid album, one that clearly was inspired by the mentioned bands and for now, that's perfectly fine. However, This Makes Us Human will still have to prove themselves and work hard to stand out in the vast world of post-rock.
Opener 'Glare' is a beautiful track, very genuine and extremely loyal to the genre. There no doubt in my mind that every single post-rock fan can appreciate this tune. This Makes Us Human create elaborate sonic landscapes on which the listener can easily travel through his imagination. The entire album seems to flow on that approach, highlighting in 'Ask the Wolf', a track that brings A Swarm Of The Sun to mind. All the tracks showcase high levels of musical craftsmanship and professionalism. Buuuuuut... I somewhat miss the experimental flair that made post-rock the stunning genre it is.
And by the end, the criticism eventually fades away. Closer 'Apology For a Revolution' doesn't only have a brilliant title, it also showcases the fact that minimalism and genius often go hand in hand. Here we have a song that could be a classic in the genre, long, cinematic, narrative, immersive, just the way I like this style of music. So yes, I do recommend this album to post rock fans. It's an excellent debut, promising even better things to happen in the future. It makes an excellent addition to your collection too and it certainly will end up in my day-to-day playlist. So check it out, because in the end, checking these things out is what makes you human...
​Serge
Hailing from Rome, this post-rock quartet comes up with a nice and gentle approach to the genre. Inspired by bands like Explosions In The Sky, Sigur Ros, Caspian and This Will Destroy You, these Italians drench us in an excellent debut, but also into one that raises the expectations for if and when there will be a successor. The biggest advantage of this album is also its biggest flaw, but that's often the case with these debuts. Like I wrote, it is a splendid album, one that clearly was inspired by the mentioned bands and for now, that's perfectly fine. However, This Makes Us Human will still have to prove themselves and work hard to stand out in the vast world of post-rock.
Opener 'Glare' is a beautiful track, very genuine and extremely loyal to the genre. There no doubt in my mind that every single post-rock fan can appreciate this tune. This Makes Us Human create elaborate sonic landscapes on which the listener can easily travel through his imagination. The entire album seems to flow on that approach, highlighting in 'Ask the Wolf', a track that brings A Swarm Of The Sun to mind. All the tracks showcase high levels of musical craftsmanship and professionalism. Buuuuuut... I somewhat miss the experimental flair that made post-rock the stunning genre it is.
And by the end, the criticism eventually fades away. Closer 'Apology For a Revolution' doesn't only have a brilliant title, it also showcases the fact that minimalism and genius often go hand in hand. Here we have a song that could be a classic in the genre, long, cinematic, narrative, immersive, just the way I like this style of music. So yes, I do recommend this album to post rock fans. It's an excellent debut, promising even better things to happen in the future. It makes an excellent addition to your collection too and it certainly will end up in my day-to-day playlist. So check it out, because in the end, checking these things out is what makes you human...
​Serge