Human
Max Cooper · 2014
56 min · 11 tracks · techno
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with pulsating rhythms, creating an immersive journey through the complexities of human experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Woven Ancestry Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with lush textures and a gradual build-up, encapsulating the thematic essence of interconnectedness.
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Automaton — Featuring a stark contrast between mechanical rhythms and organic melodies, this track exemplifies Cooper's exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology.
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Awakening — Closing the album, this track offers a reflective resolution with its serene melodies, inviting listeners to contemplate their journey through the preceding tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate layering and gradual evolution create an engaging listening experience, though it remains within established techno norms.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered synths that build and evolve over time, creating a rich textural landscape.
- Each track typically follows a gradual progression, with subtle changes in rhythm and melody that unfold rather than shift abruptly.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings or organic sounds, blending them seamlessly with electronic elements to enhance the immersive experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- patient unfolding of sonic layers
- immersive late-night introspection
- thoughtful soundscapes for reflection
- cathartic journeys through sound
- detailed headphone exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- want concise, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic exploration in Cooper's evolving sound.
- Themes
- interconnectedness of humanity· mechanical rhythms· ethereal soundscapes
- Career context
- Released on March 10, 2014, 'Human' is Max Cooper's debut album, following a series of successful EPs. At this point in his career, Cooper was transitioning from a remixer and producer into a prominent figure in the ambient and techno scenes, showcasing his ability to blend intricate sound design with emotional depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nils Frahm· Kiasmos· Ólafur Arnalds
Tracklist
- 1 Woven Ancestry Start here 4:18
- 2 Adrift 7:07
- 3 Automaton 4:19
- 4 Supine 6:35
- 5 Seething 5:41
- 6 Numb 5:17
- 7 Impacts 4:09
- 8 Empyrean 3:49
- 9 Apparitions 5:15
- 10 Potency 6:22
- 11 Awakening 3:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Spaces
Nils Frahm
Combines intricate sound design with emotional depth, creating immersive auditory experiences.
Immunity
Jon Hopkins
Merges ethereal textures with pulsing rhythms, exploring themes of human connection and experience.
Kiasmos
Kiasmos
Features layered soundscapes and mechanical beats, reflecting on the intersection of humanity and technology.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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