Press Clippings

Human Reunion, Arc de Square - YouIndie.com
Just a few months after dropping their debut "carbonics" 7", Human Reunion is back with their first full-length, Arc De Square, which is a collection of time-warped synth sounds, twisting grooves and joyous rock absurdism that puts the band in an avant, weirdo- pop masterclass. "rapture nurse" appeals to the listeners psych palate as every polyrhythmic detail unfolds in cinematic slow motion. "badge mask" is a spooky, dirge-like downer that is at once unsettling and also satisfying. "raw christ" is a noisy banger that delivers heavy groove and attitude the world has rarely seen since Brainiac's Hissing Prigs In Static Couture. "working man" occupies a completely different sonic universe all-together - a Lorazepam-like shot of shimmering retro-electro-disco. "iroc" has a TV on the Radio by way of Liars vibe that is pretty unmistakable. Thankfully, Human Reunion can hang. I guess the bottom line is that Arc De Square is a beautiful excursion of weird cross-genres slices. At times, the effect is akin to hearing Animal Collective cover 13th Floor Elevators, at others they're Les Savy Fav doing the Faint, and still at others the band emerge as Devo-devotees or Brainiac sentimentalists (neither is a bad thing). The truth is that even these reference points don't quite do justice to the bewitching spazziness Human Reunion deliver. They're the kind of band who have an overabundance of ideas - all of them good - and the experience to package them cohesively without losing a bit of spontaneity. And they make it sound really good to be from M and Fing Dayton, Ohio. Recommended For Fans Of: Brainiac, Liars, TV on the Radio
- Tim Anderl / YouIndie (07/28/10)

Human Reunion, Carbonics 7" - YouIndie.com
After five years as a live entity, and several failed attempts at releasing a recorded product of their enigmatic and provocative art rock, Human Reunion finally have a proper release. Kudos to the band for their determination and to Five Three Dial for picking up the ball on this one. "Carbonics" is an art-punk rave up that combines pulsating bass and drum lines with vein-popping synths and guitars. The song's intro bears a striking resemblance to Depeche Mode's "Question of Time" before diverging toward the band's more modern, signature electro art punk sound. "Carbonics" was recorded by John Schmersal, a likely pairing considering Schmersal's legacy with Brainiac and Enon, for the band's upcoming full-length. Next, the band pours their breathless energy into "dogbowl," a track that is exclusive to the record, and this is where the guitars are really able to flex their brash muscles while Jeremy Frederick's vocals conjure PiL. Recorded by Brian Whitten at City Centre, this cut could just as easily have been the 7"s namesake. The b-side of the record includes "hug jail," a track recorded by Human Reunion's Tim Krug at home. It doesn't have the sheen of some of the a-side tracks, but the synth line that ushers the song out is masterclass, landing like a sweet, spiky javelin right in the softest part of my heart. "carbonics (notetoselfless)" is a moody and intoxicating solo treatment of the record's title cut recorded by Krug using just a drum machine and Rhodes piano.
- Tim Anderl / YouIndie (05/26/10)

Carbonics - The Buddha Den
... As the first shot fired from the upcoming album, "Carbonics" is a perfect introduction into the world of HR: the grinding bass bolsters the propulsive rhythms, guitars and synths ebb and flow throughout the soundscape, and the rapidfire vocal delivery speeds through the maelstrom. ...
- Kyle Melton / The Buddha Den (05/26/10)