A human television by definition is one that is able to pick up on rays of light and sound beyond the normal range of human perception. These individuals are then said to have the ability to ‘broadcast’ the information contained in the rays, thus becoming human televisions (and/or radios).
Attaching a definite date to the formation of Human Television tends to leave one up in arms, though most agree that spring of 2002 is the best estimate. The logical songwriting progression following the demise of the short-lived noise pop trio Werewolves, singer/guitarist Billy Downing began playing new material with then-Argentina drummer/keyboardist Mario Lopez and bass guitarist Richard ‘Beastmaster’ Davis. The breadth of new material coupled with the trio’s longstanding friendship and mutual influences provided the impetus to form Human Television. Boyd Shropshire joined the group in early 2003 in add a more cohesively defining element to the band.
The music of Human Television aims to evoke a feeling through the vehicle of song. Cleverly utilizing and manipulating the oft-forgotten elements of melody, minimalism and repetition. These elements are the foundation for all Human Television compositions.
Orange arrived one year into the existence of Human Television, and features songs from the group’s first-ever recording session. The three songs therein are amongst the strongest they’re likely to ever produce. In addition, all copies of Orange contain a complimentary Human Television sticker. Sonically the group is in-line with groups like Felt, Unrest, Josef K, The Wedding Present and the better acts to once call Sarah Records home.
Following Orange, the group left Gainesville for Philadelphia and signed to upstart NYC imprint Gigantic. Gigantic released All Songs Written By – a rather lengthy EP - in 2005 to massive critical acclaim. Eschewing their past, Human Television entered the studio later in 2005 and emerged with the daring indiepop masterpiece Look At Who You’re Talking To, which Gigantic released in 2006. |
