Human Patterns

by John BushAs an intriguing blend of organic and synthetic that ends up sounding surprisingly close to their late-'70s inspirations (Brazilian jazz, Afro-beat, fusion, funk), Human Patterns is a near match for Moving Cities by the similar electronic act Faze Action. Both are excellent albums that just miss true brilliance because they sound too familiar, too faithful to their original influences to make for inspiring listening. The instrumentals work better than the two vocal tracks, with rhythmic percussion and Krause's deep-end basslines leading the way through "Abstractions," "Scavenger Hunt," and "Corso."