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Human Intrusion - Asleep
Human Intrusion - Asleep
Formed during last year’s lockdown, self described ‘bush goth’ outfit Human Intrusion have stayed grounded in that reality over their first two releases. On the otherworldly ‘Asleep’ which they’ve just shared today, they’ve created a fresh and exciting blend of new-wave and post-punk that evokes a desolate sound, filled with desire.
Lockdown in 2020 was a trying time for many across Melbourne, particularly musicians who had much taken away from them - the ability to perform live, and for bands not living together the opportunity to rehearse. For many it halted creativity, although for others, it was a motivating force, encouraging those who wanted to create to think outside the box.
Out of this time in lockdown comes Human Intrusion, a new project consisting of partners Penny Walker-Keefe (Assteroid) and Lewis O’Brien (Kodiak Galaxy). The duo says of creativity in lockdown, “like many others, isolating at home allowed us to take time to focus on personal creativity and what we enjoy most, which is presented in our music by combining the sensibilities and structure of popular songwriting, alongside the sonics influenced by classic post-punk, new-wave and goth records of the past. We attempt to produce simple music we enjoy, with a touch of nostalgia.”
One of the most exciting things that came with the return of live music this year, has been the opportunity for new bands formed during lockdown to perform for the first time. As music recorded during this time is being released this year, many of these releases take a fresh approach. As we live in a time of uncertainty, we grasp for the familiar whilst taking on the unknowns.
With their first two singles, Human Intrusion capture this sense of duality. With its scattered staccato intro, first single ‘The Black Cat’ feels riddled with anxiety and restless energy, which eventually subsides as Penny’s vocals emerge, straight to the point as she wishes she could go out. Whilst ‘The Black Cat’ is clear in what it is about; wanting to go outside the house in a time when it’s largely prohibited, the group’s second single ‘Asleep’ is more enigmatic in lyrical content, both songs deal in desire and yearning. Doubling down on this mood, there is a steady rhythm throughout which anchors the track, however the carefully layered guitars and reverb-heavy vocals makes it sound otherworldly - creating an atmosphere that’s both evocative and relentless.
It’s an impressive combo of songs to introduce us to the band, both tracks thick with tension as they deal in contrast between dark and light. Fittingly, these are songs that capture the feeling of what it was to be in lockdown, and with the band’s first live shows on the cards, we can only wait and see what develops next.
Out of this time in lockdown comes Human Intrusion, a new project consisting of partners Penny Walker-Keefe (Assteroid) and Lewis O’Brien (Kodiak Galaxy). The duo says of creativity in lockdown, “like many others, isolating at home allowed us to take time to focus on personal creativity and what we enjoy most, which is presented in our music by combining the sensibilities and structure of popular songwriting, alongside the sonics influenced by classic post-punk, new-wave and goth records of the past. We attempt to produce simple music we enjoy, with a touch of nostalgia.”
One of the most exciting things that came with the return of live music this year, has been the opportunity for new bands formed during lockdown to perform for the first time. As music recorded during this time is being released this year, many of these releases take a fresh approach. As we live in a time of uncertainty, we grasp for the familiar whilst taking on the unknowns.
With their first two singles, Human Intrusion capture this sense of duality. With its scattered staccato intro, first single ‘The Black Cat’ feels riddled with anxiety and restless energy, which eventually subsides as Penny’s vocals emerge, straight to the point as she wishes she could go out. Whilst ‘The Black Cat’ is clear in what it is about; wanting to go outside the house in a time when it’s largely prohibited, the group’s second single ‘Asleep’ is more enigmatic in lyrical content, both songs deal in desire and yearning. Doubling down on this mood, there is a steady rhythm throughout which anchors the track, however the carefully layered guitars and reverb-heavy vocals makes it sound otherworldly - creating an atmosphere that’s both evocative and relentless.
It’s an impressive combo of songs to introduce us to the band, both tracks thick with tension as they deal in contrast between dark and light. Fittingly, these are songs that capture the feeling of what it was to be in lockdown, and with the band’s first live shows on the cards, we can only wait and see what develops next.
'Asleep' is out now in all the usual places.
