Human By Design - Love Is The Fifth Dimension

Published Wednesday 24th August 2005
Human By Design - Love Is The Fifth Dimension
Human By Design - Love Is The Fifth Dimension

STYLE: Pop
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12826-2354
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Steve Best

So Ned Brickley of Telford, Shropshire - and you don't hear of much coming out of that part of the world - sees himself as a bit of a Badly Drawn Boy, and has taken on the nom de musique Human By Design. Just as well then that this is as interesting as a BDB album, but in a different way. To my mind this is a lot braver as stylistically it's hard to pigeonhole - just check out the bizarre opening to "Way Out Way In" and you'll see what I mean. Things don't let up with "Sight To The Blind" by which time I'm being strangely reminded of Brian Wilson. Not that this is in any way like a Beach Boys record, but it does have that uniquely British experimental sound. Ned's slightly unpolished vocals kind of help to give it that charm and makes you want to hang on for more. "The Times" sounds a bit like later Talk Talk, while "Passion Play" is just one track which epitomises the '60s low-fi sound which I find really appealing here. This album is to be seen as a musical and spiritual and it is deserving of your time, particularly as it was pretty much a bedroom production. Top marks for playing everything and producing what is a truly innovative, commendable project. Will it sell? Now there's the rub.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by I Stubbs in England @ 12:25 on Sep 6 2005

What impressed me about the album is the craft and care taken in the making of it. It's well written, well recorded and well mixed. If the vocals aren't to Steve Best's taste it's not due to lack of care, time or effort. Though his studio set up is simple he has managed to sound more like a full professional studio. I am reminded of Pink Floyd and Delirious?, not so much in the material but the care taken to give a full and interesting soundscape to the listener.



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