Music:
Member Since: 9/13/2004
Band Website: human-condition.com
Band Members:
Dean Johanesen: Singer/Songwriter/Acoustic Guitar
Mark Tinker: Electric Guitar/Weird Noises/Feedback/Bass
Mike Eng: Drums & Percussion
Mark Pezzo: Bass guitar
Scott Anderson: Electric Guitar / Lap Steel / Cool Noises (at select live shows)
Anson Mitchell: Mandolin, Banjo etc. (At select live shows)
Influences: Folks we like:
Ben Harper / David Gray / Radiohead / Led Zepplin / Thelonius Monk / The Mars Volta / Jeff Buckley / Peter Gabriel / Gavin DeGraw / John Lennon / The Beatles / FUGAZI / Patty Griffin / Lyle Lovett / Johnny Cash / Incubus / Bjork / Soundgarden / Damien Rice / Death Cab For Cutie / Rebekah Pulley and the Reluctant Prophets / Geri X / Four Star Riot / Have Gun Will Travel / The Diviners / The Chase Theory / Hangtown / Colton McKenna & Cornerstone / Auditorium / Knowing Stu / Soulfound / Military Junior / The Same / Berg / Lanky / Rashon Medlock / Cat Cheshire / Nessie / Caddle / Two Cow Garage / Will Johnson / and many more...
Sounds Like:
EP REVIEW BY
SOUTHEASTERN PERFORMER MAGAZINE
The Human Condition — *five
Produced by Steve Connelly, Zen Recording in St. Petersburg, FL
The Human Condition truly touches on the emotional condition of a man or woman’s soul in the heat of romance or tragedy. The band knows how write and perform music that draws in the exuberance and appeal of youth, and in their new release, the members dig deep into their well of feelings to translate emotion into music.
The artsy songs of *five kick off energetically with the rocking gem, “Purple Heart,†segueing candidly into the smooth, polished heartbreaker, “Sorry in the Meantime.†Finalizing the album is the fifth track, “Form,†a well-structured, brutal attack on electric lead guitar, neatly balanced with riveting bass and gripping percussion, all overlaying a grunge-like vocal style, giving the band a recognizable identity.
The songs are beautifully placed in the order given, lending the entire thematic aspect of the album meaning. Charming songwriter Dean Johanesen is backed up nicely by a group that churns out one dazzling performance after another. Each tune is crafted with subtle, yet very well drawn-out creativity as the melodies carry a certain weight that pulls, tugs, and at times, rips at the heartstrings. The vocals are passionate and from the heart, the choruses build and build, a climax that adds to the excitement.
Inspiring and thought-provoking, this little EP is well mannered, yet the listener is left hanging in sorrow, eager to find out more about this band. A nugget of golden musical bliss, both vivid and graceful, this record is just that perfect glimpse one needs. (Self-released)
www.human-condition.com
We are rhythmic and acoustic combining intense and sometimes gentle dynmics. We are the sound of a band that works to serve it's songs, be it a ballad, jazz groove or an upbeat odd time rock song. We are the sound of the struggle, the strength, the madness and the beauty of being human.
Reviews
“The Catchy melodies fit nicely around Johanesen’s balmy vocals to form a radio friendly brew of
folk/rock that should appeal to Jack Johnson and Ben Harper enthusiasts.â€
The Bradenton Herald - Wade Tantangelo - CD review
“The Human Condition is a tight band. Their sound is distinctive yet familiar, combining the up-tempo heartbeat of the Dave Matthews Band, the melodic hooks of David Gray and the emotionally raw lyrics
of Tori Amos…and like the aforementioned artists, they are engaging to watch.â€
The Gazette - Aaron Alper - review of Mahaffey Theater show
“The Human Condition…a contemporary folk-ish anomaly poetically spliced between rock storminess
and pop melody. More than that, however, is it’s experimental nature that includes using
unexpected time signatures, jazz chords and alternate guitar tunings.â€
The Herald Tribune -
Dawn Scire
Type of Label: Indie