I’ve not followed Humanfly‘s previous releases that closely to be brutally honest. I had the impression they played a blend of sludge heaviness with some post-hardcore elements. I’ve always ‘meant’ to investigate further. Which given their reputation, and my love of that style was foolish. So anyway, either I had them completely wrong or they’ve taken a massive swing in direction.
Either way its irrelevant as Awesome Science is a glorious mother-fudger of an album. Prog and psych are the order of the day, and there’s some serious tripped out riffs and rhythms on offer.
‘Golden Arrows’ opens the album in a glorious 8 minutes of spaced out rock, clean vocals and an irresistible warm melody, leading to a full on progadelic monster. Humanfly have captured a classic feel here, but delivered it without any retro clichés. Mars Volta, Mastodon, and King Crimson, all spring to mind at times, but there’s no element of copyists at work here. After 12 years of shaping and re-shaping their sound Humanfly seem capable mastering any sound they feel like on this evidence.
‘A Majestic Story’ is up next filled with more mind altering rhythm and guitars set to stun. Again a gentle opening leads to soaring vocals, pounding drums and heavier passages. Humanfly are relentless in their experimentation and quality throughout Awesome Science.
‘The Apple That Never Fell’ at 9 minutes in length has plenty of twists and turns throughout. At times riffs drop like meteors crashing to the earth. The ending of gargantuan riffs and mathy elements is explosive and jaw dropping. It merges into ‘Poetry of Light’ which sets out initially with a jazzy feel, evolving into another sprawling epic of blistering guitar-work and head spinning dynamics.
The opening section of ‘The Armour of Science’ seems out of place in comparison to the rest of the album. It is the most abrasive thing here, crunchy guitars and a more metallic feel. More importantly though its still brilliant and at 14 minutes long the track shifts in style exploring more familiar ground.
The album has only six tracks but with lengthy songs is around an hour of music which flies by as you’re not given time to breathe or feel the need to reach for skip. Its to be enjoyed front to back and without distraction. ‘Frozen In Time, Billions of Light Years Away’ closes the album in suitably majestic style. Leaving you feeling you’ve experienced something special.
Awesome Science is essential listening, whether being a long-term fan or like me a bit new to it all. If you like heavy music and are partial to some spaced-out prog get onboard. I’m currently seeking out their entire back catalogue to see what exactly I’ve been missing out on.
Awesome Science is released on 11th of February on the ever reliable Brew Records and can be pre-ordered here. Also don’t miss them on tour with Cult Of Luna this month.
Review by Phil Johnston.
