Friend of Sinners by Human Shield (Review)
Insomuch as we know it, music has defined itself from generation to generation. No man — only God — knows where it will take the next turn to throw off our balance and perceptions of where it lies currently. Should we all stand in a vast crowd of followers who only possess ears for a systematic sound of rhythms? Are we all going to fall into a zombie-like state where everything is 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3? I believe, as a human with a mind of my own, that, through Christ, I should expand my wisdom, my tastes, and my perceptions on certain elements that affect me throughout my life. Music is one. Or should I use the word “music” at all throughout this review?
Before I decided to purchase a couple of tapes through Oral Gestation Artefacts I wondered what I was getting into. I mean, what is experimental or noise? And how will I react to this sort of turnaround to a genre I have never ventured to before? Well, never question something before it lies within the knowledge of your understanding. The tapes arrived in the mail and when I finally settled myself down to take a listen, it was dark and time slumber. No problem. I grabbed Human Shield’s Friend of Sinners and inserted the tape into my player. With the volume low and the room lit only with what light could pierce through my raven blinds I laid down and drifted to a new world. A pure mind-trip.
My mind wove an intricate pattern of images which I could not describe with words. In my ears poured sounds of things easily recognized and those not so recognizable. I didn’t try to decipher them. Instead, I relaxed and let my confusions drift away. I could hear machinery as in a large factory, with sounds of instruments and callings of wild and unknown. What more can be described about who and what it sounds like? It’s unique, earthly sounds of the describable and not so describable. Though nothing in my senses told me that it all fit together, it somehow did.
What would your mind tell you?
Don’t be alarmed when I say there is nothing here to sing to. Nothing here to snap a finger to or maybe dance to. This is surreal art through sounds produced by skillful people who found God’s will in a way some may question. I don’t. God works in mysterious and wonderful ways.
Don’t let your questions and fears bind that which may be beneficial. I found these sounds and noises agreeing with emotions and spiritual elements. It helped me take in consideration that no matter what you do, if it is done as unto the Lord then you will be in His glorious will.
These artists deserve recognition for their great works and for leaping over bounds that many are afraid to even get close to. I’m sorry if I didn’t describe the sounds a little better, it’s just that I wanted to leave it alone and let your own imagination describe what lies within the painted sounds … if you dare venture down this road with the Friend of Sinners.
Written by Todd Clapp. This review originally appeared on the Flaming Fish Music website.