For several years, members of the powerful five-piece As Human (originally named Kilo) had been intersecting paths, performing together in various smaller incarnations as part of Philadelphia's humble yet robust, eclectic improv scene. Along the way, they had individually amassed an impressive list of cohorts such as John Medeski (MMW), Billy Martin (MMW), Bobby McFerrin, Matisyahu, Dave Dreiwitz and Andrew Weiss (Ween), Skerik and Mike Dillon (Critters Buggin, Les Claypool), Bernie Worrell (P. Funk, Talking Heads) and King Britt. Since converging efforts in the summer of 2006, As Human has fused a genre-bending sound typified by soaring, instrument-like vocals, sonically adventurous cascading guitars, muscular, sound-manipulated upright bass and lively, song-oriented drums.
While As Human's live shows draw from an unbridled organic synergy (many times containing more instantly-improvised creations than actual album cuts), their first studio effort "Kilo" displays crafty, focused arrangements and a detailed, virtually impeccable production. Rising from the abyss of wind tunnel meets twisted-carousel murkiness, the opening track "As Hwuman" evolves into the tightest and most carefully formed arrangement on the album. The track represents some of the finer elements of As Human, shifting wide-varying moods and smoothly traversing subtle tempo changes before settling on a gorgeous half-time recap in which a final apt lyric echoes "beau-ti-ful". Tracks like "Pining" with it's angular punk, "Spiral" with it's catchy odd-meter bounce or "Obsession" with it's hypnotic hop give the impression that As Human delights in challenging the listener with an ever-expanding definition of their elusive sound. Those that survive this initial stylistic enigma will most likely find themselves sussing out the particulars via their favorite listening medium for days thereafter. With sweeping sonic explorations and lush, immaculate production, "Kilo" marks an ambitious first offering doing all it needs to intrigue and nothing in the way of answering "What the hell do you call this?"
AS HUMAN is:
Ryat - vocals, wurlitzer, synths
Dion Paci - guitars, percussion, programming
Jason Fraticelli - upright bass
Tim Conley - guitars, slide guitar, ukulele, piano, organ
Tony Catastrophe - drums, percussion
Produced by Dion Paci and Tom Spiker
except "Level" produced by Ryat and Dion Paci
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*WPRB 103.3
"These Phili locals have released a wonderful debut that is full of strong vocals and impressive instrumental backing. These virtuosos have played with everyone from Matisyahu to Mike Watt to Medeski Martin & Wood. As Human's music is a combination of rock and haunting, spiral melodies. But there are hints of electronica and jazz too. At times the music can range from hypnotic and eerie to intense and funky. Repeated listening will be well rewarded. Overall this is a very good album from a very good local band. Play!" -Emmauel Ferritis- DJ WPRB 103.3 Princeton University Radio www.wprb.com
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*WKDU 91.7
"Go see them! They're awesome!!" DJ Erica! WKDU 91.7 Philadelphia 9-29-08
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*ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM
The Philadelphia-based ensemble As Human, billed as a power house collaborative, blends progressive rock-influenced guitar layering, syncopated drum grooves, upright bass and sensuous vocals to create sounds that defy categorization. Their debut, self-published release, Kilo is a collection of eleven tightly arranged, meter-shifting compositions fronted by vocalist/lyricist Ryat.
Ryat unravels her light-as-air, personal narratives rather effortlessly over the instrumental sonic wash created by guitarists Dion Paci and Tim Conley, bassist Jason Fraticelli and drummer Tony Catastrophe. The gently executed melodic turns on "As Hwuman" and "Fall Backwards" contrast brilliantly with explosive bursts of rhythmic intricacy. Other tunes of interest on the disc are "Pining," with a Primus-meets-Radiohead punch, and "Set Free," a more straight-forward rocker.
One of the strong points of As Human is the stunning, open-minded musicianship exhibited by each musician. Paci and Conley mix a punk-rock attitude with jazz-fusion sensibilities to create a thick, effects-laden guitar landscape. The glue that binds the seemingly unrestrictive nature of each tune comes from Fraticelli and Catastrophe. The rock-solid bass and drum duo are as soulful as they are aggressive, creating a hypnotic vibe throughout.
All in all, Kilo is a fascinating release, at times quirky and unsettling, yet highly inventive and worthy of repeated listening.
Album review by John Barron @ allaboutjazz.com
Published: October 01, 2008
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*Philadelphia CITY PAPER
Rarest Soul Treat
When Kilo — singer/songwriter Ryat and friends — finally released its debut album, As Human, a month back a funny thing happened. Philly's mistress of experimental soul and ambient jazz reversed the name of her band and the record so to become As Human with its album name Kilo. For me, Kilo is Ryat and Ryat is Kilo and knowing the single-named mum of sultry space-funk, she could change it again. But with this city's best voice and most expressive lyrics, how is it she and her fellas can't get booked more often? That's not really a question — it's a demand. —A.D. Amorosi
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/09/25/arts-entertainment
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