1. The Remedy **
2. Mercy Kiss
3. Start Over **
4. Monster **
5. Blood
6. Sub­ur­ban Muse
7. Sunny Day **
8. L.V.B.D.
9. Ruin Your Life **
10. Never **
11. Seed
12. Fluorescein **

**Clear Favorites

Just to clar­ify: Aban­doned Pools is a project by Tommy Walter and though I am unaware of the bands his­tory, I am sure there were at some point or another other band mem­bers. As of right now it is just him, making this effec­tively a one-man- fronted band.

Any­ways back to the CD.

Human­is­tic is a rather dark-​feeling album, despite the happy over­tones some of the songs por­tray. Granted some just put it right out there such as Mon­ster and Blood, whereas others are more subtle (Start Over and Never come to mind.) Many of the songs fea­ture layers of instru­ments, giving it a grungy feel that could rake at peo­ples ears if they crank the volume too high, so be warned. I should also add that lis­ten­ing to this album tents to turn me into an overly reflec­tive state, much like a “coming to terms with shit” sort of feel. It’s com­fort­ing in a way, which is prob­a­bly what I love most about this album. It’s got a resolve to it that just strikes a chord or five in myself.

As I stated already, many of the tracks fea­ture layers of instru­ments. This does mean there was prob­a­bly a lot of post-​production done to the album to get the sound where Tommy wanted it. Some people turn their noses at this prac­tice, stat­ing that they’ll be no good live. I can’t vouch for Aban­doned Pools, having never seen them live (though I would if I could) but the sound of these songs is easily some of the best I’ve heard. They don’t seem over-​done or really treated. It’s more like he put each layer on, one by one, and did each instru­ment over; hit­ting a symbol once during the whole song just to get that moment right. A lot of effort can be heard in these.

The only issue I have with the CD is the occa­sional use of the “announcer” voice. I don’t know its offi­cial name, but that voice that sounds like its from a 1960’s cold war video. I hate it in ANY song, not just the ones fea­tured here. I will say that it takes away from what would oth­er­wise be a truly solid album.

I’d sug­gest at least giving this album a listen, though I can say that it’s not going to be for every­one. It’s a little dark, and a little moody, but it’s a solid listen from start to finish. I’ve had this album at least 5 years and I’m still in love with it.

9/10