Moody German rock group Tokio Hotel, who you may have heard of and who you’re likely to have mistaken for a girl group at least once, have just released their second full-length English album. “Humanoid” marks an attempt to break into the U.S. music market properly. It’s a 12 track (or 16 if you get the U.S. special edition) collection of stomping beats and melodramatic vocals that definitely singles the young band out as having something to say with their music, instead of simply singing along to some pretty-sounding tunes.
Most of the songs have a vibe that wouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with your typical German band – they’re slightly heavy, somewhat industrial sounding, and the songs are filled with synthesized vocals. But when the songs really get soaring, like the first single, “Automatic,” and “Darkside Of The Sun,” they really are great to listen to. “Forever Now” and “Hey You” are also particularly anthemic tunes.
However, there are points where the idea gets too much and the quartet ends up sounding like a Rammstein/Tori Amos collaboration where the beats are to heavy and the music too far removed from its audience. Although, it is fitting for the overall concept of the album that these seriously industrial tracks are titled “Human Connect To Human” and the title track, “Humanoid,” making the album’s idea that humans are becoming part machine come across quite effectively.
Other strong tracks include “Love And Death,” “Screamin,’” and the atmospheric “World Behind My Wall.”
After a couple of listens, it becomes clear that “Humanoid” shows off a darker side to Tokio Hotel’s music, and while it may not have the musical attractiveness of their previous English album it sure does leave an imprint in your mind. Buy it if you’re looking to explore new and original alt-rock bands.
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Thanks for the great review, Monica! I mostly agree with all your points.
But I don't think there are points where the music is too far removed from its audience. The Tokio Hotel audience varies wildly. Also, I don't think the music doesn't go that far outside the norm.
I'd also mention "Dogs Unleashed" as a great anthemic track that will be awesome performed live in a big arena.
I love this album and can't wait for the tour!!!
I'm happy that you gave Humanoid such a great review. It's a beautiful album, and I loved your pick of songs that stood out. I would just have to add PhantomRider to that list. And I totally agree with how Hey You is anthemic. I can't wait to hear it in concert along with the rest of the album.
Thanks for actually listening to the album and writing a thoughtful review. I hope you can see the band in concert live some day, as that is where they really shine.
Thank you for the wonderful review! I'm glad you took the time to actually listen to the album and from that form your opinion. I don't think the music is far removed from the audience since Tokio Hotel has an eclectic fan base. I loved your choices of songs and Alien and Dogs Unleashed are some of my faves.
nice review about the album... Humanoid is awesome
Great review of the album. Actually, one of the best I've seen. Most reviewers take one look at the band, at the lead singer, declares that he looks like a girl, and BAM! Just like that, ends the review, with barely a note on what the music sounded like. Your review is great however, and it shows that you actually listened to the album.
My favourite track has to be Pain of Love, but I like most of your choices too, especially 'Hey You' and 'World Behind my Wall'.
'Tookkioo HotteeL' 4 EvveeR..â
Thank you for the great review. Humanoid is a very amazing album, that has been on repeat for my family since we got it. We really love this albume, and can wait to see them in concert!
Awesome reiew, thank you for actually taking your time to listen to it and making your opininon because of their music and not their looks like some others.
Great review. Tokio Hotel is awesome.