Superhuman Happiness, led by Stuart Bogie—a perpetually in-demand songwriter, arranger and performer whose resume includes stints with Arcade Fire, David Byrne, Iron & Wine, TV On The Radio and Antibalas—the Brooklyn-based ensemble construct instantly infectious and relentlessly rhythmic records. Underlying the groove, however, are lyrical concepts which take a long look at the human condition.
Their latest LP, Escape Velocity, is a seven-track effort that explores how human made technologies inversely shape our internal emotional landscapes. Songs like “VHS” and Super 8” merge broad influences like ‘80s dance pop and ‘70s prog, while lyrically examining how various media used in storytelling and communication impact how we see our own memories and derive a sense of meaning as people. The damaged art disco of “Date & Time” addresses the addictive aspects of social media with the refrain “we’re going nowhere clicking on those pretty pictures.” If this sounds overly heady, the album’s soaring vocal harmonies, celebratory handclaps, lush synths and crisp rhythms let it be known that joy and contemplation can be mutually inclusive. In the writing and recording of Escape Velocity, Bogie and founding member Eric Biondo reconstructed the band to feature vocalist Andrea Diaz, whose vocal approach take the songs to new heights of expression. They also called upon old friends saxophonist Colin Stetson, violinist Sarah Neufeld and drummer Joe Russo to contribute. Escape Velocity is due out 9/18 via Royal Potato Family.
Check out the video below for “Second Heart” from Superhuman Happiness’ 2013 release Hands.
