Human Race - For The Sake Of Your Soul
The Web
Where Do I Belong
Remember When
Free Your Mind
Them
Mothership
Into the light
Don't Look Back
Lost In The Shadows
E20 expressway
Label: Z Records
Year: 1998
Total Playing Time: 40:24 m:s
This is Human Race's first full-length album. They have previously released a mini-album that included a cover of Rainbow's Stargazer. In fact, nearly everything I've read about the band seems to mention Rainbow at some stage.
As a result of these preconceptions, I was surprised when I first played this. If I was going to make comparisons, then I'd say that the Talisman were a great deal closer. A straight comparison with Talisman doesn't do the band justice. It is the Talisman sound, but brought up to date, mainly by the use of keyboards. Of course, the Rainbow/Deep Purple influence does show itself a few times as well. Starting from a traditional hard rock baseline, HR add a 90s vibe. And, just for once, that is OK with me.
The other Z release this month, Amaze Me, is a very immediate record. I knew I liked it after the first play. Human Race are a different proposition. It has taken quite a few listens for me to appreciate what HR are all about and I'm glad I stuck with it.
The Web kicks off a la Talisman. Where Do I Belong continues to rock, but with a monster riff propelling it along. Remember When is Talisman meets Rainbow. Free Your Mind is fast and furious and smacks of Rainbow. Them is a surprisingly intelligent ballad that features a good chorus. The instrumental Mothership is very Rainbow cira Light In The Black. On Into The Light even the vocals sound like Jeff Scott Soto. Don't Look back is my fave tune. Lost In The Shodaws is Talisman meets Rainbow meets Deep Purple. The final track is another surprise. Recorded after the rest of the album to bump up the playing time, the gently sweeping synths and piano remind me more of Tangerine Dream than anything else.
This one takes quite a few listens to get into, but it is well worth the effort. They've taken the traditional hard rock sounds of Talisman and Rainbow, added their own flavouring, and created an album that sounds right for the 90s.
Rating: 7/8
