Album Review: Humans As Animals - Eukaria

Notable for their genre-bending approach, this instrumentally adventurous Melbourne quintet execute a careful combo of brassy energy and creeping quietness. Vocalist Nicholas Mitchell fuels their brand of modern, minimalistic jazz with the fantastic dichotomy of his hoarsely smooth vox. Despite the upbeat grooviness of opener Left Me Behind, you can easily immerse yourself in Mitchell’s angsty lyrics; pessimistic assurances that “You’re dead” and “Better off lonely”. Lead single Her Name steps up the funk with its bold scats and edgy percussion, but doesn’t match the first track’s restrained moodiness. They play Evelyn Hotel on 14 Aug.