Early Humans - A Wave (2020)

With musical inspiration sourced from iconic bands such as the Gin Blossoms, Death Cab for Cutie, Built To Spill, and Wilco, Early Humans are not easily defined by one sound or style- though falling under the indie rock umbrella.
Pulling different ideas from a range of genres, the band hones their own unique sound with each release and their new album A Wave is no different- giving listeners a collection that is both cohesive and yet with no two songs sounding identical.
Opening on the folk-tinged acoustic melody driven “Actor,” which tells the tale of someone who struggles to be wholly themselves as they put up protective walls, the album starts off soft- giving listener’s a moment to get into the Early Humans mood before picking the pace up with subsequent tracks “Tentacles” and “Parasite”- both which bring in the electric guitar and add a bit more percussion based rock vibes.
With the defiant “Honey” adding a bit of punk rock flair, and the snarky “Creator” adding commentary on a situation where someone finds their mind wandering and creating drama out of fictitious scenarios, the album then showcases the band’s more alternative side- giving them a bit of edge on an otherwise (seemingly) soft spoken release.
And of course no album would be complete without a love song or a slow ballad, which are brought to listeners via the soft acoustic track “Train,” and following song “Outta My Mind,” both of which showcase the band’s softer side and put their anxieties and emotions as related to romance on full display.
Ending the album on title track “A Wave,” the release comes to a close on a cascading ballad that shares more personal insecurities and fears that the band experiences.
With the potent lyric “I am afraid of my own self,” the song navigates the fears that come with growing up and letting yourself get close to others, breaking down the walls you’ve put up to keep those same others out.
Overall, A Wave is the perfect album to kick off October with. With a perfectly balanced mix of relaxed indie, angsty punk and dreamy acoustic sounds, Early Humans are able to put basic and raw human emotions into instrumental and lyrical content that is both relatable and nostalgic, with a twist of modernity and honesty that separates them from their peers. It navigates everything from falling in love to petty snark, yet remains tasteful and mature.
The band has successfully beat the dreaded sophomore slump, and have us feeling hopeful for future releases.
You can check out the full track listing below, and be sure to connect with Early Humans’ social media accounts to stay up to date on all things new music- linked at the bottom.