‘When the world for humans end’ is a revolutionary new indie album composed by San Francisco bay area based band Harlow’s Monkeys. The roughly half an hour long album has 7 beautifully composed tracks, and it adds to the band’s rising popularity as the best new indie-folk act in the Bay area. After Harlow’s Monkey released their debut full-length titled Several Lives and Several Deaths in 2019, the band has continued to gain mainstream success thanks to their intricate songwriting and artistic expression.

The album explores themes of love and existentialism and acts as a reality check for societal blindness. With a fresh new take on life, Harlow’s Monkeys have managed to create an accurate representation of what it feels like to be an artist in a fast-paced, global post-capitalist structure, filled with misrepresented cultural insignias. What stands out the most in this offering of Folk-Noir from the four-piece band is their mastery of the intricacies of contemporary folk music. From off-beat chordal progressions, and carefully thought-out layers of harmonies, to impeccable and articulate penmanship, ‘When the world for humans end’ does not disappoint throughout its runtime.

Harlow’s Monkeys are a breath of fresh air

Led by singer-songwriter Tommy B Phan, Harlow’s Monkeys has proven once again that they are the answer to experimental folk music in today’s age of auto-tune-laden mediocrity. With an excellent production, their sophomore album is a testament to the lives of every struggling artist who is working tirelessly to make ends meet. In addition to a gorgeous atmospheric soundscape and rich melodies, ‘When the world for humans end’ presents a new perspective to the band’s previously established musical direction. 

Tracks such as ‘I can’t self help my way out of late stage capitalism’ and ‘I hold my breathe when I should speak’ are particularly impressive. The lyrical craftsmanship paired with the ingenious use of reharmonized voicings creates a vivid sonic spectrum that is worthy of admiration from fans of various genres. The album’s calm, sensitive, yet urgent tonality sets it apart from the rest of this year’s releases from the Bay Area indie music circuit. The album ends with the impressive title track, leaving the listener in awe, and setting the stage for what’s more to come from Tommy’s sonic palette.

‘When the world for humans end’ could prove to be a worthy addition as a backing track for movies or TV shows that explore themes of self-discovery and existential crisis. Films such as A Requiem for a Dream and Trainspotting would fit perfectly well with the narrative and vision of the album. The record is a welcome new addition to the band’s growing discography. In conclusion, Harlow’s Monkeys have managed to consolidate their place as one of the best upcoming indie acts to grace the music industry with their influential presence.