Vancouver’s Humans — teamwork comes to life
What’s the deal? Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq are art-minded Vancouver dwellers who have been making genre-oblivious electronic music (and occasionally really cool jackets) together since 2009, arguably getting better at it the whole time.
Although Humans’ sinewy jams are exceptionally functional on the dance floor, Slade’s unerring gift for vocal hooks ensures that you can enjoy the records — such as last year’s subtly mind-bending Noontide, in the running for Electronic Album of the Year at the Juno Awards — in the comfort of your own home as well as the club.
You’re nonetheless advised to catch them in the club if you can, since these lads have lately been lugging a giant lighting contraption, affectionately known as “the Blob,” around with them to augment the psychedelic and physical effects of their music. They’ll mess you up in a good way.
I was happy to close out my South by Southwest this year with ’em. Sum up what you do in a few simple sentences “Humans is a collaborative art project that keeps on changing. We started out as a fusion of soul, blues and electronic music, but we’ve grown to include audio and video production, fashion, design and branding.
“The very deep-rooted core of Humans has always been DIY. We collaborate on everything: branding, fashion, film and music. While both Peter and I do a bit of everything, Peter lends a depth of knowledge and skill in the design and visual aspect of the group, while I have an almost lifelong history as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.” What’s a song I need to hear right now? “Water Water.” A breathy, sexy midtempo thumper that takes its time having its way with you. Where can I see them play? Saturday night at the Velvet Underground.