ALBUM REVIEW: Mud Whale – Humans Pretending To Be Human

’…an album that simply demands repeated listens. Truly a contender for 2024’s brightest hidden gem…’

If Ohio has nothing else, then at least it clearly has some fantastic musicians. Following up from a review earlier this week of Noise Beneath the Floor’s sophomore effort, it’s now time to take a look at state-mates Mud Whale, and their own sophomore effort, ‘Humans Pretending To Be Human’.

The Cleveland four-piece have been releasing music since 2021, the same year that saw the band release their debut LP, ‘Everything In Moderation’. Since then, the band have been busy on the live circuit, performing with everyone from Bottom Bracket, to Kerosene Heights, and even Dreamwell; no studio releases to speak of until the commencement of the second album cycle earlier this year. Choosing to take that time has allowed the band to produce a record that immediately has you craving more of what the Mud Whale has to offer.

Certainly, it is easy to pin-point some of the genre influences that appear on ‘Humans Pretending To Be Human‘. Grunge plays alongside post-hardcore, whilst shoegaze and emo jostle with one another. The immense, catchy melodies of alternative rock contrast wonderfully with some of the progressive guitar licks. It is, however, how Mud Whale manages to piece together these aspects that makes ‘Humans Pretending To Be Human‘ a truly special listen; everything here feels deeply familiar, yet undoubtedly unique, as all of these sounds converge to a single point that near guarantees that this record will be a favourite of anyone who enjoys guitar-based music.

‘Checking In‘ kicks the album off in a brilliantly emo manner, with chugging riffs driving forwards over the top of punchy rhythms, whilst vocals alternate between simple yet deeply infectious melodies and playfully raw screams. The bluesy post-chorus guitar licks are a particularly lovely addition, adding some subtle complexity to this pop-punk banger. The follow-up, ‘Smoke Signals‘, is an absolutely immense track, with its walls of distorted guitars and utterly ferocious choruses that are impossible to not catch yourself moving to; the screamed vocals are perfectly executed, whilst the stop-start nature of the instrumentals is a frankly genius touch.

That impressive sense of scale continues with the fantastic post-hardcore tinged cut, ‘Sacrifice‘, as frantic, two-steppable rhythms in the verses collide with anthemic choruses and a blistering breakdown segment that shows Mud Whale at their most brilliantly heavy. It makes the sonic switch-up with ‘Little Place‘ all the more impressive, as Mud Whale takes the energy down a notch with luscious, jazzy guitars, and a rhythm section that produces simply sumptuous grooves. The post-chorus guitar solo is a true delight to listen to, oozing with an effortless coolness.

Those bluesy vibes continue in a slightly more understated manner on the gorgeous ’Fluorescent’, packing some glittering guitar work against compelling grooves, before fading away on a surprising yet dreamy trip-hop styled outro. Things are a little more grounded by the time the band reach the concluding number of the project, ‘Part of Me’, which pivots back towards a simpler emo sound. It is the tempo switch-up, however, that makes for one of the most impactful moments of the record, as it vaults towards an anthemic climax that rounds the entire album off perfectly.

Anybody constructing end of year lists whom have not had the chance to check out this brilliant sophomore effort should maybe hold off on publication until they have. ‘Humans Pretending to be Human‘ is a thoroughly engaging experience from start to finish that is all at once immensely fun and surprisingly emotive; the ways in which Mud Whale combine musical ideas, the subtle musical embellishments threaded throughout, and the way in which they perfectly pace this record, leads to an album that simply demands repeated listens. Truly a contender for 2024’s brightest hidden gem.

RATING: 85/100 – Mostly Excellent

For Fans Of: Nirvana, Origami Angel, unpeople, La Dispute, Kerosene Heights

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Bluesky