HAAi – HUMANiZE

      With ‘HUMANiSE’, HAAi (Teneil Throssell) boldly steps into the core of her own sonic realm. While her debut album and DJ-Kicks compilation highlighted her prowess in texture, rhythm, and crowd-engaging energy, this second studio album takes it a step further, putting the human heart at the forefront. It’s an ambitious and emotionally resonant work that fuses club-friendly rhythms with intimate vulnerability, weaving together the digital with the deeply personal with meticulous care.

      From the very start of ‘Satellite’—a collaboration with Jon Hopkins, Obi Franky, ILĀ, and TRANS VOICES—the album sets forth its dual purpose: the synthetic versus the organic, the ecstatic against the tender. With layered choirs, gentle vocal lines, and sweeping synths, the track establishes the tone for a record that avoids settling into a single mood. It presents a tapestry of contrasts: machine-driven beats intertwine with rich human emotions; euphoric grooves coexist with moments of pause and introspection.

      HAAi’s vocals, which previously played a subtle role in her music, shine here. In songs like ‘Can’t Stand To Lose’ and ‘All That Falls Apart, Comes Together’ (featuring poet James Massiah), her voice conveys vulnerability without ever appearing fragile. These tracks command attention not only for their sonic ambition but also for their capacity to create a space for listeners to fully engage. HAAi’s choice to highlight her voice transcends mere stylistic preference—it becomes a statement, a reminder that amidst a world dominated by machines and screens, music remains an inherently human experience.

      The collaborative essence of the album bolsters this theme. HAAi taps into a network of friends and collaborators—ranging from Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) and rapper KAM-BU to Kaiden Ford and choirs led by ILĀ and Wendi Rose—to evoke a sense of community. There’s a spirit of generosity here: ‘HUMANiSE’ feels less like a solitary declaration and more like an invitation into a shared emotional space. Songs like ‘Shapeshift’ and ‘New Euphoria’ not only offer sonic excitement but are also infused with the vibrant energy of collective creation.

      Despite its ambitious scope, ‘HUMANiSE’ remains focused on its essence. It’s an album about connection in a time of digital distraction, a reminder that emotion and empathy are central to the human experience. HAAi expertly navigates intricate textures, breakbeats, and anthemic synths, all while ensuring the album does not come off as cold or detached. Rather, ‘HUMANiSE’ exudes warmth, immersiveness, and groundedness, transporting listeners from the dancefloor to a reflective inner space in an instant.

      From the energetic, driving beat of ‘Go’ (feat. Kaiden Ford) to the cinematic dreaminess of ‘Rushing’ (feat. ILĀ & TRANS VOICES), the album showcases HAAi’s versatility and vision. Each track possesses its own distinct identity, yet together they create a cohesive narrative centered on resilience, connection, and the beauty of shared experiences. A tension exists throughout, balancing exhilaration and intimacy, which keeps listeners engaged from beginning to end.

      In a music landscape filled with electronic tracks that often favor spectacle over substance, HAAi has produced an exceptional piece of art: an album that is intellectually ambitious and emotionally rich. ‘HUMANiSE’ is not merely a compilation of songs; it represents a vision of what electronic music can achieve when it embraces vulnerability, community, and genuine human emotion. For those familiar with HAAi’s DJ performances, the album captures that same euphoria and meticulous detail—but introduces a personal, almost confessional quality that feels entirely unique.

      8/10

      Words: Josh Crowe

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