IN REVIEW: I TRY HUMAN - LILAC ANGEL

Blogs have been short lately, I know. Let me know if you all like these reviews, I hope to do a lot more soon, but if not please message me with the subject line "Kill Yourself" and I'll get back to you. Anyway, poor Lilac Angel, the first band to take the time to send anything to me at all, sent me their new EP as it released back in December, and I have been horrible about getting around to it. So, I have again lied to you all... THIS is the final blog from the cold gripping hands of... 2023. Forgive me, it rocks. If you would like a review or just want to send me anything you find cool or interesting send all your music musings and shits to [ fosterhildingmusic@gmail.com ] or DM me on Instagram.

photos courtesy of Lilac Angel.

As their second EP in the same year, I Try Human is a more aesthetically cohesive effort that would typically be reserved for full length projects. This tendency does not deter them from delivering their jolty, murmuring post-punk, though, and they do so under glossy, textured production and tight arrangement. Although every song has a distinct style and personality, they fit into the same painting with precision and a consistent style they refuse to let up at any point. I won't be talking too much about the production here, as I'd like to focus on the songs themselves, but one thing I really appreciate about this album is the attention to detail in replicating (what I can only assume is) their live sound--Jack panned mostly to the left and Kyler slightly to the right, Julian's drums surrounding them in all corners like a bear hug.

Falling Star is a suitable introduction, starting in a blur of noise and obscure samples before diving straight into edged guitars and Interpol-esque crooning. Despite being the longest track of the five, it gives a flashy and comprehensive introduction to the sonic ethos of the project: lush yet never-too-soft textures of Julian's popping drums and Kyler's bass, Jack's itchy guitar, and every members' wavering vocals that dip into harsher territories. The ghostly background vocals and spoken passages that sneak just underneath the rumbling drums are a genius touch.

Matte Black Batman starts in an energetic homage to post-punk's roots. Lyrics are ominous yet not too on the nose, and match the sporadic chirping of the guitar and driving bass. I'm usually not a fan of thinner bass tones, but it works perfectly here, and cuts through better than a typical bass sound would. Here, I'm a fan. The ending of this track descends into a mixture of ambience and noise that then ties every proceeding track to it, chain-linked by Lilac Angel's hidden underbelly of secret sonic treasures.

Each New Day takes on a new robe somewhere in between Sonic Youth and shame. Jack's swirling, noisy guitar intro hypnotizes you in preparation for the pulsing drums and their aching stringed friends. This is probably my favorite track from this project. Kyler's bass has so much personality and movement, and the nasty, mega-distorted guitar casts a powerful shadow over the entire track that never fully leaves. 

Hovercraft's bipolar switch ups between blasting noise and driving, near-psychedelic flights into noise-rock are all fitting for the track's title. Again, the guitar shines here as a constant fluttering noise machine between its sharp contributions to each thudding bridge. I think this is a fantastic closer, and probably showcase my favorite vocal performance from the EP.

It's so great to see representation for a genre that means so much to me, and warms my heart that it's so close to home. As corny as it is to admit, Unknown Pleasures was my real introduction to this whole world of freak ass music, so to see bands carrying that torch in one way or another will always make me happy. If Lilac Angel can push the envelope this far in just an EP, I'm waiting impatiently for a full length...

7.5/10

Stream I Try Human.

-Foster

See Lilac Angel with Police State, pneumonia., Washed, and Like Robbery on June 7th at Ground Zero Studios.