Human Potential
Hot Gun Western City
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
It’s known that it’s important for artists to open a record with an engaging track that compels the listener to continue on and listen to the remainder of the record.
With Human Potential’s Hot Gun Western City (What Delicate Recordings), multi-talented musician, Andrew Becker (former drummer of band Medications as well as experimental rock band Screens), understands that, and returns with his third LP under the Human Potential moniker.
Becker wastes no time and immediately engages you with the heavy-hitting “Apparitioning,” a track that opens with stellar drums, then builds up the powerful percussion layered over sparkling, shimmery synths, and experimental undertones.
On “Nearly Nines”, Becker explores experimental indie rock through its futuristic percussion, shimmery synths, and breathy vocals as he states “we should head back / we should head back.”
One of the most artistic tracks on the record, “Wayfare Radio,” opens with a pulsating note that crescendos into an intense, yet melodic musical experience. The track is beautifully eerie and artistic in a way that stands out amongst the 9-song set. “Majestic Park Training” invites you into its haunting vibe with its electronics and heart-pounding drum beats.
The artistry continues in the album’s title track, “Hot Gun Western City.” In a press release, Becker noted the inspiration behind the record’s title and song of the same name, came from a journal passage Werner Herzog’s Of Walking In Ice. After some research, Becker discovered the phrase was based on an old German amusement park with a cowboy and western theme that was built in the 1970’s.
Becker switches gears a bit on “Moses on the Sentry Box” where the track plays out the same hauntingly eerie vibe of “Wayfare Radio”, but then, quickly, it jumps into an intense set of heavy electric guitars and drumming.
The artistry throughout Hot Gun Western City is remarkable, and though it may not be a mainstream release, a true music fan can appreciate the art created by Human Potential on Hot Gun Western City.
Rating: Bad-Ass
