Boston-based indie rockers The Only Humans have returned with a captivating new album, 'It's a Beautiful Night. I Think I'll Disappear Forever', a record that delves deep into the complexities of heartbreak, regret, and the alluring fantasy of escape. The album takes listeners on an introspective journey through a soundscape that is both innovative and intimately familiar.
The album's concept, sparked in a train station parking lot back in 2018, explores the universal desire for escape, a theme amplified by the global upheaval of the 2020 pandemic. "The ability to say, 'Everything after this moment will be brand new,' is an unspoken gift that we all take for granted until the whole world is locked down," says songwriter Tim Howd. This yearning for a fresh start permeates the album, woven through narratives inspired by diverse sources ranging from Greek mythology and Arthurian legends to alien abductions and 19th-century horror.
'It's a Beautiful Night…' marks a significant evolution in The Only Humans' sound. While their 2017 debut, 'Oh, God!', showcased Howd's songwriting within a traditional band format, this new release embraces a more expansive and experimental approach. "I wanted to take risks with the arrangements," Howd explains. "Sometimes, the weirder an idea sounded on paper, the more likely it was to make the album."
This adventurous spirit manifests in a variety of unexpected musical twists. The album opens with a haunting choral arrangement reminiscent of a church basement, while a song pondering funeral playlists is punctuated with Beatles-esque "ooh la las." A ballad grappling with stage fright is unexpectedly infused with a blistering guitar solo courtesy of metal guitarist Ryan Burke (Epicenter).
The band's resident violinist, Neil Morrissey, takes a prominent role on the album, composing intricate string arrangements performed by a quintet. These arrangements are further enriched by guest vocalists Jacalynn Manning (Gish) and Zachariah Hickman (Barnstar!, Josh Ritter), who add soaring highs and soulful lows to the mix.
With 'It's a Beautiful Night. I Think I'll Disappear Forever', The Only Humans have crafted a record that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The album's layered arrangements, introspective lyrics, and diverse influences create a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to confront their own experiences with heartbreak, regret, and the enduring human need for escape.
Connect with The Only Humans,
