As Human

As Human: Kilo

by John Barron
October 1, 2008

The Philadelphia-based ensemble As Human, billed as a power house collaborative, blends progressive rock-influenced guitar layering, syncopated drum grooves, upright bass and sensuous vocals to create sounds that defy categorization. Their debut, self-published release, Kilo is a collection of eleven tightly arranged, meter-shifting compositions fronted by vocalist/lyricist Ryat.

Ryat unravels her light-as-air, personal narratives rather effortlessly over the instrumental sonic wash created by guitarists Dion Paci and Tim Conley, bassist Jason Fraticelli and drummer Tony Catastrophe. The gently executed melodic ...