Third Hand Prophecy

A. Human

Wall of Sound

2008-06-02

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• (Member — 0 votes)

A. Human are a quirky band. The London six piece puts singer Dave Human’s psycho-monologues to analogue basslines and razorsharp guitars for an electro-androgyny rock sound. Coming across like a Gary Numan backed by the usual synths plus a tinge of modern indie, A. Human have a similar skill at bringing slightly deranged storytelling, including women with knives for hands and men with deer hands, together with waves of catchy electronics. It’s still a winning formula, and this throwback to early electro will be appreciated even more by anyone with a fondness for the rawness that came with it.

A. Human’s synths recall The Pet Shop Boys, The Human League and Eurythmics.

Dave Human’s spikey delivery is sure to be a deciding factor on A. Human’s popularity. Coming across as a man dying to tell us his stories, he muses on the live’s of oddball characters such as a Morrison who shops at Morrison’s — weird, huh? Getting to grips with his bizarre tales may be hindered by a voice heard more often as the lead vocal for an aspiring indie band rather than an electronic-minded act. Fortunately the varied backing choices mean Third Hand Prophecy offers much more than one man’s storytelling mission.

Whether it is the jazzy sensations of “Post Post Anxiety Blues”, the sing-along sections of “Horse With No Name” or the more downbeat “Come Death and Welcome”, A. Human’s synths recall the Pet Shop Boys, The Human League and Eurythmics. Simple, yet effective, the guitars add a layer of energy and additional scope for the band to create a versatile selection of tracks which work for the dancefloor when not focused on Human’s stories. This is shock ‘n’ roll straight from an underground studio in central London and it gets the disco started for A. Human.

While the beats on Third Hand Prophecy may not be as distinctly original as the contents of Dave Human’s warped mind, they compliment the world he creates by ensuring providing an atmospheric backdrop. It’s an accomplished debut that will be bolstered by a well-chosen selection of festival appearances (among them Glastonbury and Bestival) and many appearances in London. They won’t be occupying the same pop aspirations as those they seem to have got much of their inspiration from though, A. Human are clearly obsessed with a world of their own making. Humour their quirks and the electro-indie starts to flow together as a series of fantastical short stories. A. Human are warped in the best possible way.