Last Years Model - Human Sexual Response
In a Roman Mood
October 19th, 2008
By Jordan McNiven
Who is Human Sexual Response you ask? Very good question my friends. For although they were once hailed as the saviors of the post punk pack of the late 70s and early 80s, Human Sexual Respons (HSR) quickly faded into obscurity after only two albums. Before their demise HSR created a pair of quirky masterpieces. On their second album, “In A Roman Mood” (1981), HSR’s sporadic post-punk shines with their combination of pseudodancy drum beats and an all-inclusive vocal section. Does this sound like a shtick that you have heard before? If so then I object my friends. For “In a Roman Mood”
may seem like formulaic early 80s post-punk on paper, the delivery of these Bostonites is, to be both blunt and appropriate, refreshing as hell.
“In A Roman Mood” is both bubbling with dark imagery and laced with quirky delight. Front man Larry Bangor’s warbled voice carries the album. Through its 11 tracks, not only does Bangor playfully describe suicide in “Andy Fell,” but he also clamors on about violence and destruction “Blow Up” in an abnormally charming fashion. Starting off side two is a psychotic cover of The Balloon Farm’s 1967 hit “A Question of Temperature.” HSR tones down the guitar fuzz but adds a panicked vibe to an already
manic top 40 hit. The result is a delightfully cryptic gem of dance-worthy pop.
Panned and ignored at the time by critics and fans for its darker and edgier feel than their debut, Human Sexual Response’s “In A Roman Mood” has stood the test of time to become a classic and important album from the post punk era. Since its release over 25 years ago, the style found on “In a Roman Mood” can be seen throughout the bulk of rock and roll since. Whether in the guitar tone or chord progression seen in “Keep a Southern Exposure,” which is cited as a major influence for Tom Morello, or any other track from the band’s small repertoire, rock and roll has sucked Human Sexual Response into its very being. This metamorphosis cannot be a bad move. For if there is one thing that rock music is best at, something that is inescapable from its essence, it is in kindling some sort of human response.
Check this out if you like: Blondie, Talking Heads, B-52’s.
To hear tracks from this album, listen to Radio K’s Last Year’s Model on Monday October 20th and 27h
at 8pm.
