NNHMN - Deception Island I

Though NNHMN begun their darkened musical adventure in 2017 with 'Velvet Daze', it was then that they went by the slightly different name of Non-Human Persons. A quick change to the name to NNHMN (Nonhuman) and two years of production time led to a fantastic debut EP titled "second castle". While the debut held some resemblance with future offerings from the band such as soft, underlying techno beats, a couple of the songs held familiarity with the ethereal presence of dark ambient and witch house music. 

Their debut album, "Church of No Religion", was their underground breakout hit. The nine track album solidified their standing as a standout act in the minimal synth scene. Utilizing occult themes and visual theatrics, NNHMN gained a precise cult following with many of their physical offerings being nearly sold out. After that a couple of double-releases, 's p e c i a l' and 'Saturn Melancholia' released, as well as a back catalog EP "No Fear". Through these releases and their constant upkeep of holding fans' attention, NNHMN's reputation only grew. 



Their biggest hit to date, "Shadow In The Dark", was released in December of 2019. At the time of this writing, several limited edition formats have sold out with two CD editions and one Editorial vinyl version left for grabs. The project also supported the release with two YouTube videos for the album both of which you can check out via NNHMN's Channel. With this little retrospective out of the way, we come to 2020 where NNHMN has released their latest EP "Deception Island I". 

The cover, designed by Joan Pope, is a piece of art to praise in its own right. Flowers are above a skull, an easy symbol of life and death. Multiple hands caress the objects while down below is a naked woman laying down. She reaches up towards the skull while the skull, if it had eyeballs, stares back at the figure. It's simple, odd, yet eye catching, and the static that lines the cover art makes it seems like it's floating in space. 

This four track release homes in on their minimal synth approach, with italo disco and darkwave being the main components of the EP. 'The River of Fire' kicks off the album with a fun, bouncy beat and delicate yet flowing vocals that capture the moody tone NNHMN is known for. The title track of the album has an almost silent and eerie backdrop; it's a foreshadowing and forsaken note that betrays the otherwise harmonic soundscape on the song. 'Hero' sounds like a song that should be in a Giallo; an italo-disco upstart with spoken word, mystified and echoing vocals. The final song, 'Nachtgang', is just as sensual and soothing as the rest of the tracks on the EP. But, again, there is always an uncanny vibe that something just isn't quite what it's made out to be. 

NNHMN continues to make their mark and impress with their solid musical capabilities. This EP will be going onto my wishlist for the next Bandcamp Friday (as well as some of their other releases which have not been added to my collection yet). This is easy-listening for dark electronic fans done right. The album is available in vinyl, cassette, and digital formats. As has become the norm for NNHMN, get your copy before they sell out. 
Oct 07 2020