NNHMN – Deception Island Part 1 (EP – Oráculo Records)
Genre/Influences: Minimal-electro, electro-wave.
Format: Digital, Vinyl.
Background/Info: Polish duo Lee & Michal are based in Berlin and already took me by surprise with their minimal-electro compositions. The last year released album “Church Of No Religion” released on Zoharum revealed the potential of the band. They now strike back with a new EP featuring four songs released by the Spanish label Oráculo Records.
Content: The influences and global sound approach haven’t really changed. NNHMN (Non Human) are still dealing with a very minimal electronic format, which is clearly linked with 80s influences, but above this retro touch the band also has its own sound. The work is characterized by the deeply, sensual vocals of Lee. But the rather groovy sequences are only accentuating the sensuality recovering this EP.
+ + + : “Deception Island” sounds to me as the most elaborated work from the duo although you’ll easily recognize their typical sound production. The songs however became a bit groovy-orientated, empowering the dance vibes, but globally speaking we again get a minimal- and even somewhat experimental electro production. The EP features 4 songs and there’s not really one title track. All cuts reveal an impressive potential. I have a little preference for the very old-school inspired “Hero”, but the title song and “Nachtgang” both are attention grabbers as well. The opening cut “The River Of Fire” is probably the most innovative cut for its groovy touch. This new work sounds sensual and cold, which in a way became the band’s trademark.
– – – : No minus points to mention, but I simply regret this band is not recognized enough for their talent and originality!
Conclusion: NNHMN simply moves on excelling in electronic-minimalism and improving their work on each new release.
Best songs: “Hero”, “Deception Island”, “Nachtgang”, “The River Of Fire”.
Rate: (8½).
Artist: www.facebook.com/nonhuman.duo
Label: www.facebook.com/oraculorecords
About NNHMN
NNHMN is the Berlin-based duo of Lee, formerly active as an actress in city theatre, and Michal, a former techno DJ; both relocated from Poland to Berlin. In a August 2020 Side-Line interview, the pair described their 2019 EP “Second Castle” as their true creative starting point, ahead of the full-length “Church Of No Religion” and the mini-album “Shadow In The Dark”, both released via Zoharum. “Deception Island Part 1” continues that run on the Spanish label Oráculo Records.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
