WKDU 91.7

"Go see them! They're awesome!!" DJ Erica! WKDU 91.7 Philadelphia 9-29-08

thanks E. MAY !!

6.11.2008

As Human / Kilo from Philadelphia

I've found some kind of amazing solace in this band. Saw them first at the Thunderbird opening for Omega Love. Blew away my idea of what a TBird show could be (and I've seen some great shows there). It is hard to keep your eyes off a band with a presence this engulfing, and with eyes front-and-center, the caliber of these musicians was clear. While most jammy-bands can lose an audience who isn't already lost in a haze, these guys could take you on the most far-out trip without a drop of anything mind-altering. Their ability to stay solid in the emotive elements of the trip is something that few bands can claim, and it was clear that the band themselves were bringing this experience to you from that far-away place accessible exclusively to artists, the enlightened, and the f'd-up.

Yesterday, I found myself writing a song they could perform, and realizing how much Ryat's vocals have stuck with me since their show. She was doing something so timelessly experimental - yet so forwardly *now*. Perhaps she was the inspiration for my new loop-pedal toy, perhaps my future inspiration for a KAOS pad. Inspirational, regardless.

As Human (they were Kilo when I saw them there) is celebrating their debut CD release on June 21st, and if you're anywhere close to Philadelphia at that time, I insist you go. I will reimburse you for your ticket if you think they were not worth every cent of your $12. Regardless of my comments earlier, if you happen to imbibe in any kind of psychotropic substances, I would encourage it. Your paradigm would most certainly be shifted.

Posted by E. MAY

Rarest Soul Treat

When Kilo — singer/songwriter Ryat and friends — finally released its debut album, As Human, a month back a funny thing happened. Philly's mistress of experimental soul and ambient jazz reversed the name of her band and the record so to become As Human with its album name Kilo. For me, Kilo is Ryat and Ryat is Kilo and knowing the single-named mum of sultry space-funk, she could change it again. But with this city's best voice and most expressive lyrics, how is it she and her fellas can't get booked more often? That's not really a question — it's a demand. —A.D. Amorosi

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/09/25/arts-entertainment

As Human (group) -
Kilo (album)

Phili Rock

Self Released 07/29/08

These Phili locals have released a wonderful debut that is full of strong vocals and impressive instrumental backing. These virtuosos have played with everyone from Matisyahu to Mike Watt to Medeski Martin & Wood. As Human's music is a combination of rock and haunting, spiral melodies. But there are hints of electronica and jazz too. At times the music can range from hypnotic and eerie to intense and funky. Repeated listening will be well rewarded. Overall this is a very good album from a very good local band. Play!

Emmauel Ferritis- DJ WPRB 103.3 Princeton University Radio

www.wprb.com

"Kilo" album review by John Barron @ allaboutjazz.com

Kilo
As Human | Self Published (2008)

By John Barron

Discuss

The Philadelphia-based ensemble As Human, billed as a power house collaborative, blends progressive rock-influenced guitar layering, syncopated drum grooves, upright bass and sensuous vocals to create sounds that defy categorization. Their debut, self-published release, Kilo is a collection of eleven tightly arranged, meter-shifting compositions fronted by vocalist/lyricist Ryat.

Ryat unravels her light-as-air, personal narratives rather effortlessly over the instrumental sonic wash created by guitarists Dion Paci and Tim Conley, bassist Jason Fraticelli and drummer Tony Catastrophe. The gently executed melodic turns on "As Hwuman" and "Fall Backwards" contrast brilliantly with explosive bursts of rhythmic intricacy. Other tunes of interest on the disc are "Pining," with a Primus-meets-Radiohead punch, and "Set Free," a more straight-forward rocker.

One of the strong points of As Human is the stunning, open-minded musicianship exhibited by each musician. Paci and Conley mix a punk-rock attitude with jazz-fusion sensibilities to create a thick, effects-laden guitar landscape. The glue that binds the seemingly unrestrictive nature of each tune comes from Fraticelli and Catastrophe. The rock-solid bass and drum duo are as soulful as they are aggressive, creating a hypnotic vibe throughout.

All in all, Kilo is a fascinating release, at times quirky and unsettling, yet highly inventive and worthy of repeated listening.

Visit As Human on the web.

Track listing: As Hwuman; Fall Backwards; All That We Have Said; Pining; Level; Spiral; Set Free; Heavy Heart; Ojai; Tap In; Obsession (with the sunshine).

Personnel: Ryat: vocals, wurlitzer, synths; Dion Paci: guitars, percussion, programming; Jason Fraticelli: upright bass; Tim Conley: guitars, slide guitar, ukulele, piano, organ; Tony Catastrophe: drums, percussion.

Style: Beyond Jazz
Published: October 01, 2008


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