I don’t often write a full review for an EP, but some require it. I instantly loved the sound of Glass Human and their debut EP Timelapse, and I feel like I have plenty to say about it. The EP released on May 13th.
Glass Human hails from Denver, Colorado. The lineup consists of Emily Shreve on vocals and keyboards, Dave Sandoval on guitar, Lehi Petersen on bass, and Jeff Malpezzi on drums. Emily is also the vocalist for the doom/post-metal band Dreadnought, who you should also hear.
The band plays music that is a little bit of everything. Their basic sound is an ambient and alternative rock, but it has plenty of progressive elements, some indie flair, and even some moments of doom melancholy. Their style is decidedly rich and full of character.
Something I need to mention is Emily’s vocal performance. She has a terrific voice that is expressive and diverse. She often sounds quite different from herself, depending on the mood or song. She sounds very much like Courtney Swain of Bent Knee, which is a huge compliment coming from me because I think Courtney has one of the best voices in the business. Emily puts out that same vibe, and it makes this EP come to life.
Timelapse is such a good start for this band. There are five tracks and the EP runs about 28 minutes, but it feels like an album to me. I think this is partially because the opening and closing tracks are so good, but also make me want to restart it immediately.
“Out of Sight” is the opening track, and it is a musing slow burn that introduces us to Emily’s intimate vocals. I love the piano that serenades us in the second half, and I don’t know, there’s just something about the song’s shuffling small venue character that I love. “Martyr” comes next and was the first song that grabbed me. I love the otherworldly harmonies it possesses and the climactic ending.
“Big Bang” is the middle track, and it has really been growing on me. It is floating and spacious piece with dark depths within its soul; it doesn’t explode or hit some zenith at some point—no, this song is about a river of quiet and expansive emotion. “The Sentence” follows, and has probably the most rhythm of any of the songs. I like how the drum cymbal work plays directly into the piano and acoustic guitars, all with Emily’s voice tying them together.
Far and away my favorite, the closer “Timelapse” is a layered and rich song. From the luxurious piano melody to the doomy vibes to the quiet groove, the song just works in multiple ways. About halfway through, the song gets even more abstract and electronic, and Emily’s vocals get satisfyingly ethereal and forceful. I absolutely love that it.
Glass Human really has something here. Timelapse has shades of light and darkness within it, but also ominous space and pure beauty. I love how gorgeous the piano work can be, and how the band can play the line between groovy and ambient in a way that embeds itself into your mind. I hope people will give this EP a shot.
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Find Glass Human online:
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The PROG Mind 