Human cover

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

  • →
    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.
  • →
    Automaton — Featuring a stark contrast between mechanical rhythms and organic melodies, this track exemplifies Cooper's exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology.
  • →
    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.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The 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
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata