Highly Suspect returns with “My Name Is Human,” the promo single from their sophomore LP, The Boy Who Died Wolf.

Rock newcomers Highly Suspect scored a pair of Grammy nominations for their debut album, Mister Asylum.  Following the critical recognition of their debut, sophomore album The Boy Who Died Wolf is a highly anticipated project. Leading the way for the new LP is promo single, “My Name Is Human.” The results are exceptional.

“My Name Is Heaven” features enigmatic opening production, which percolates into a truly dark quality.  Throughout its course, the record features a religiously skeptical message – it’s clearly atheistic or minimally agnostic. Frontman Johnny Stevens delivers rhythmic vocals, which possess a rap-sensibility without compromising rock.  Much like their debut album as a whole, the lyrics are biting, notably the opening lines:

“I’m feeling the way that I’m feeling myself / Fuck everyone else.”

Safe to say, Stevens and Highly Suspect truly give zero fucks.

The vocals are aggressive on the chorus, further amplifying the epic scope of the chorus and the song as a whole.  The chorus is varied, though both sets of lyrics have a similar effect.  The first iteration plays out as follows:

“Get up off your knees, girl / Stand face to face with your God / And find out what you want / (Hello, my name is human) / Hello my name is human / And I came down from the stars / (Hello, my name is human).”

This particular version of the chorus occurs after the first & second verse. It’s varied the final time, following the bridge:

“I’m up off my knees, girl / I’m face to face with myself / And I know who I am / (Hello, my name is human) / I stole my power from the sun / I’m more than just a man / (No longer disillusioned)”

Returning to the verses, like the first verse, biting lyrics initiate the second verse as well:

“I’m ready for love, and I’m ready for war / But I’m ready for more / I know that nobody’s ever been this fucking ready before, hey.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “My Name is Human” could be a breakout single for Highly Suspect.  It is well written, exceptionally performed, and has ‘hit’ written all over it.  It’s not necessarily an ideal time for rock as far as radio or commercial success in general, but “My Name is Human” has plenty of pros working on its behalf.

Highly Suspect • The Boy Who Died Wolf • 300 Entertainment • Release: 11.18.16

Photo Credit: 300 Entertainment