David Heumann and
Nathan Bell's instrumental project
Human Bell unites their strengths and styles -- fans of
Heumann's
Arbouretum and
Bell's group
Lungfish will hear shades of both acts here, though the album's atmosphere relies more on the softer sounds and relaxed tempos of
Heumann's free-form compositions.
Bell's contribution to the disc comes in the form of the more structured, linear riffs that provide a center for each of the works. While none of
Human Bell's individual songs have obvious destinations, they seem to blend into one full composition. The songs follow the same formula -- a disjointed beginning that gels into a meandering theme -- but what makes them all exciting is listening as
Heumann and
Bell improvise and embellish on these established riffs without abandoning them. Subtle accompaniment from
Matt Riley (guitar, banjo, kalimba, and vibraphone),
Michael Turner (guitar),
Peter Townsend (drums), and
Ryan Rapsys (drums) add depth to the pieces, especially on opening number "A Change in Fortunes" and the unsettling "Ephaphatha (Be Opened)," where disjointed horns nearly drown out the guitar melodies. However, all of these strengths are accompanied by one main weakness -- the long and winding nature of
Human Bell makes it tedious in some spots, most notably on the closer, "The Singing Trees," a reprise of "A Change in Fortunes" whose heavy, slow grind grows more ponderous as time goes on. The album's bleak sound doesn't help matters; even the brighter track "Hanging from the Rafters" drags after a while. It sounds counterintuitive, but the unconventional nature of
Human Bell is the very thing that holds it back. Its extended jams highlights
Heumann's and
Bell's talents, but it takes lots of patience to appreciate the effort.