A totally unexpected series of twists and turns, Herman Martinez creates a powerful hybrid of genres with “Continuity Errors”. Nothing here is off-limits, for the instrumental variation to the psychedelic lyricism has a giddy, exploratory nature to it. The embodiment of a musical journey the songs incorporate a fantastic series of styles, ranging from classical to soundtrack work to progressive rock to tasteful electronica. Sonically the production has a polished perfection to it thanks to Ahmed Mahmoud’s attention to detail, for his producer efforts seem to set the bar for the warm that high fidelity can bring with it. Beyond this, the insistent and versatile drums of Hank Yaghooti serves as an anchoring effect to many of these tracks, even as they switch up tempos at the drop of a dime.
A number of influences take shape over the course of the album. Strong Blonde Redhead vibes intersect within the work, from the impeccable punk-like fury that rears its head to the off-kilter time signatures that keep it quite unexpected. The vocals have such depth and pathos about them, drawing from the hauntingly beautiful Layne Staley of Alice in Chains. Going further out, the inclusion of some of Radiohead’s darker impulses allows the songs to have an aching, yearning presence about them.
Right from the beginning they start things off with the lush, multi-suite symphonics of “Some New Beautiful Nightmare”. Vocals have a pleading quality to them on “Sirens” for they follow the piano’s procession ever-downwards, making the song feel like a spiral. With hints of 90s Chicago post-rock flavors comes the rather gorgeous, even ambient tact of “Salamander”. Keyboards intermingle within “Man from Taured” for guitars drift off into space. Much more electronic “The Glide” has a breeziness to it, with the synthesized elements giving a futuristic vibe. On “Psuedologia Fantastica” the repetition of that initial chord patterns gets lost in exquisite ornamentation.
Folk at first before making a sharp turn towards a dusty western twang gives “Midcard” a feeling of constant change. So much power is packed into “Ghosts of Summer” for the drumming on here is particularly impassioned. The buildup of “Days Without” has an airiness to the whole thing, which feels delightful to experience. Giving off a bit of restraint is the meditative aspect of “Hypnic Jerks”. With “Dutch Tilts” they keep things simple yet highly poignant letting the vocals sound almost honeyed. An ambitious, sprawling finale brings things to a close on the intense urgency of “Deleted Scenes”.
Herman Martinez features a beautiful surrealist tact on the soulful “Continuity Errors”.
