Humans have bridged the gap between acoustic and electronic, combining man and machine into a hybrid genre that, in honor of das humans, can be called “transcendental electronic”. Based in Vancouver, Humans consist of Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq, who have eloquently mastered the growing electronic music culture into something more than just pulsating beats and synthesizers. While both of these are strongly featured in their sound, it does not dominate the music this innovative duo makes but complements their percussions and acoustics into a sound that, quite simply, seems natural.
Their new album, Traps, is intriguing with the way each track follows the other; whether listened to in full or sporadically, it is evocative of the adrenaline felt during a long run. While you may stop to take in the scenery, the moment another beat drops your feet are moving again. The track “Possession” is truest to Humans’ form, laced with rhythmic percussion and echoic vocals that keep your energy up and your mind in a continuous state of ease. While there is definitely a smooth flow from track to track, this does not mean they’re all same. “Horizon”, though tastefully done, is a bit more overpowered by synthesizers and cymbals, not quite fitting the same balance as “Possession” but an awesome piece of Traps nonetheless. The duo stays true to their intense energy throughout, making those who haven’t seen them live see just how crazy their performance could be. Fitting to their namesake, these two musicians have taken an overly technical form of music and gave it a feeling that’s, well, human.