I was recently asked to review the 22 album by Afraid Of Human, which is the second full-length album by this hard rock band based in Warren, Pennsylvania. I really enjoyed the variety of the 11 tracks on this album, which holds a special meaning for the band, especially guitarist Brandon Kulp. More on that to come.
Members of Afraid Of Human include Jimmie Botto (vocals); Brandon Kulp (guitars); Chris Lee (guitars); Ryan Wylde (bass); and Nate Kloss (drums). The band was formed by Brandon Kulp, Dusty Huff, and John Grimm August 1st, 2014. Jimmie Botto was added in February 2015. The lineup has changed quite a bit since it formed. Brandon is the only original member remaining, and Jimmie is the longest-tenured non-original member.
Afraid Of Human has had the opportunity to perform with well-known bands such as Stone Sour at the Zippo factory and headquarters in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Slipknot, Megadeath, and Five Finger Death Punch at Darien Lake Amphitheater. As Brandon says, “We’ve gotten to do some pretty cool stuff,”, including hang out with Saliva. Most recently, the band performed at Darien Lake with Pantera. It looks like Afraid Of Human is making waves in the hard rock and metal music scene and is about to take off!
I asked Brandon how Afraid Of Human music comes to life. He shared that he usually writes music on the guitar, then he or Jimmie will write lyrics over top. They discuss topics and the mood of the music as they write the songs. Jimmie wrote the lyrics for the 22 album. So far, the band has recorded all of their music at Graphite Sound Studio in Sugar Grove, PA. They work with engineer and producer Anthony Brown. Brandon says “it’s a great place, kind of in the middle of nowhere, with no distractions”.
Something I really enjoyed about the 22 album is the variety of the songs. Some are heavier than others. There are some fast-paced tracks and some that have a slower tempo and are more melodic. Even the ballads incorporate hard elements including intricate guitar riffs combined with the thunderous drums and the rhythm of the bass. I was particularly impressed by the dual guitars and the guitar solos that are featured in many of the tracks. Jimmie’s voice has a unique range that can go from hard to gentle to reflect the emotion behind a song.
Brandon shared with me that he is a Navy veteran, and that the 22 album is dedicated to veterans and the 22 veteran suicides a day on average. The first song they wrote for the album, “Not This Time”, is about a conversation with a vet on the edge of suicide and trying to talk him or her down from the edge.
I want to highlight some of the songs on the album that I really liked.
“Not This Time”
Expanding on what Brandon shared with me, I also got out of this song that it’s about battling through depression, anxiety, and inner demons and remembering you have people who love you who can help.
The lyrics of the chorus remind us that we’re not alone:
“Don’t forget all the ones that love you
Tear down the walls that close you in
Don’t give in to your nightmares
Don’t lay the trap for your demise”
“The One” — with Kelly Botto, the wife of Afraid Of Human lead singer Jimmie
This song is about someone who is lamenting a relationship that has been lost. The vocals of Jimmie and Kelly combine perfectly on this beautiful and emotional track.
“This Is Goodbye”
This is a song about letting go of the grief over losing a loved one who means the world to you and continuing to move on with your own life.
“When All Seems Lost”
This song is about trying to not give in to the self-doubt and anxiety that can cause you to fall into a dark place.
“Pick Up The Pieces”
According to the band’s YouTube page, this song is “A story of lost love and moving forward with life while dealing with past feelings and regrets”. One of the lines in the chorus, “Pick up the pieces. Come to terms” reflects the theme of moving on.
“Fear Inc.”
Brandon tells me this song is based on the media and politicians pushing a fear-based agenda during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says, “It’s about how the media and certain politicians ran with a narrative – how easy it was to paralyze the population using fear tactics and the lack of critical thinking in our current society.”
“Always With Me”
This song is written like a thank you letter to someone who has stayed by your side and helped you in dark times.
The chorus lyrics really struck a chord with me:
“You should know that you are
The brightest light in the darkness around me
You make the hurt disappear
Took the pain in the darkest hours
If it wasn’t for you
I’d be lost in this world without you
So, this song is for you
Just remember you’re always with me”
“God’s Country” – Cover of a Blake Shelton song
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the opening track on the 22 album, the cover of Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country”. I think Afraid Of Human did an excellent job with this song. They paid tribute to the original while adding their own hard rock spin to it.
When asked about the next round of new music for Afraid Of Human, Brandon says the band is always tossing around ideas and discussing how to improve their sound and grow their band in the future.
Afraid Of Human is currently playing about three shows a month at various local venues in northwest and north central Pennsylvania. You can follow Afraid Of Human on Facebook, Instagram, and Linktree.
22 Album Track Listing
God’s Country (cover)
Not This Time
The One (with Kelly Botto)
This Is Goodbye
Number Of A Man
King Of Fools
The Road Ahead
When All Seems Lost
Pick Up The Pieces
Fear Inc.
Always With Me
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