Humans by I am K: A Raw, Gritty Dive into Alternative Rock
Let’s get one thing straight—this album isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. Humans by I am K is like that friend who shows up without pretense, wearing their heart on their sleeve and ready to spill some truths. Released in 2018 under Apollon Records (Norway represent!), this alternative rock gem doesn’t just sit there; it grabs you by the collar and demands your attention.
The tracklist reads like a playlist of life moments you didn’t know you needed. Tracks like “Glowing In The Dark” and “Fly” stick with you—not because they’re flashy but because they feel honest. Take “Glowing In The Dark,” for instance. It kicks off with this brooding guitar riff that feels like walking alone at night, lost in thought. Then the vocals hit, raw and unfiltered, as if the singer's soul is spilling out right there in real-time. You don’t just hear it—you feel it. By the time the chorus explodes, you’re hooked. This song stays stuck in your head not because of catchy hooks but because of its emotional weight. Feels like staring at stars while questioning everything.
Then there’s “Fly.” Oh man, this one hits different. If “Glowing In The Dark” is introspective midnight vibes, “Fly” is sunrise hope. The build-up feels slow at first, almost hesitant, like someone gathering courage. But when it all comes together—the soaring guitars, the pounding drums—it’s pure release. Like breaking free from chains you didn’t even realize were holding you down. I remember blasting this track during a road trip once, windows down, wind whipping through my hair. Felt unstoppable. That’s what good music does—it makes you believe in something bigger than yourself, even if only for three minutes.
Other tracks like “Golden Bridges” and “Still The Same” keep the energy alive, blending moody lyrics with punchy instrumentals. And yeah, okay, having two versions of “Humans” might seem a bit indulgent, but hey, repetition can work when done right. It reminds me of how humans (get it?) are complicated—we evolve, we change, yet we stay kinda the same deep down.
What strikes me most about Humans is how unapologetically Norwegian it feels. No, not because of vikings or fjords or whatever stereotype people throw around. It’s more about the vibe—an understated intensity, a quiet confidence that lets the music speak louder than any gimmicks. I mean, come on, these guys could’ve easily gone full-on pop-rock cliché, but instead, they gave us something raw and imperfectly perfect.
So here’s the kicker: listening to Humans, I kept thinking about how weirdly comforting it is to hear someone else wrestle with being… well, human. We’re messy creatures, full of contradictions, dreams, failures, and fleeting victories. And somehow, I am K captures all that chaos in twelve tracks.
Final thought? Life’s too short for boring music. Go listen to Humans. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Fly” while grocery shopping or zoning out to “Glowing In The Dark” during your commute. Oh, and maybe avoid playing it at family dinners—trust me, awkward silences aren’t worth it.
