Los Angeles-based artist Maybe Human presents a consuming sound throughout the Early Man EP, which infuses a prog-friendly rock edge with spoken-word introspections on survival during humanity’s early stages. Alongside collaborator and writer John Elkin, who has strong knowledge of modern mystical concepts in addition to his studies of ancient times, Early Man marks a thoroughly engrossing success from Maybe Human.
Opening the album, “The Land He Knows” showcases the project’s aesthetical intrigue right away. Spoken-word depictions of “running as fast as he can,” in reference to early humanity invokes the struggle of survival. Glistening guitars and steady rhythms infuse within a plucky bass line, adding a melodic edge to the atmospheric construction. “Crushing and Grinding” ensues with similar themes of perseverance, also highlighting herbal and medical expertise that grows alongside humanity’s increasing awareness; the standout track is described as akin to “a mystics call to the Shaman Experience.”
A more distortion-forward ominousness flows throughout “Aurochs Bull,” visceral in its descriptions of living through ancient times — where a variety of threats, from lack of resources to other animals competing for such, remain a constant presence. “The Old Man” is another highlight, particularly in its expressive rhythmic and guitar intertwining. EP finale “The Stars” feels like a come-down comparatively, as one looks at the stars while contemplating their previous day’s strife and observations. The six tracks consistently captivate in their heady thematic approach and musical melding of spoken-word with hip-hop rhythms and rock-friendly guitars.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
