Landon Huber - Creature Of Emotion

Landon Huber

Creature Of Emotion 
self-released; 2013

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Landon Huber is one talented dude. He writes comics, draws abstract art and released an album entitled Creature Of Emotion that sports fourteen songs that can almost all be labeled alternative rock. Huber doesn't complicate things. The songs mostly revolve around vocals, guitars, bass and drums; the first two of those things being the most integral to the music he is making. First and foremost this is a fourteen-song album and with each repeated listen it uncovers some of the talent that isn't exactly apparent right off the bat. It takes some endurance and dedication but Huber has a couple of gems on this album. Not every song strikes gold but he does hit it occasionally.

The first track “Even If There’s Something More” in which the guitar riff sounds like a distant cousin to “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes is a solid start. It’s a dynamic song relying on 101 rock n’ roll tricks of the trade. The song kind of lacks a hefty verse and mostly revolves around Huber singing the title of the song. 

The next three songs “Acid Ground,” “I Will Not Let The World Break Me” and “A Match Striking” all have their roots in grunge. You hear hints of Nirvana as well as Alice In Chains.

I wasn't expecting what I heard on “A Little Part Of You.” The track had more in common with UB40’s “Red Red Wine” than grunge. Huber trades in his distorted guitar for horns, vocal harmonies and a reggae style guitar and bass. The song was really well done but was out of left field. “I Cannot Forget” is a very well written song that showcases Huber’s talents on the piano. It’s an emotionally resonant song, which dips into melancholy and nostalgia. I’m not sure if the orchestra strings were digital or organic but they sounded good regardless.

“Was Never Meant To Be Forever” features one of Huber’s best vocal performances while the closer “Call Of The Sunset” has Beach Boy-esque vocal harmonies.

The only Issue with Creature Of Emotion is that Huber tries to take on too much. He jumps ship a lot in terms of style and makes for a slightly unfocused journey from beginning to end. The good news are that even the deviations are enjoyable on their own merit. Despite a couple of missteps the album has a lot to enjoy and is worthy of your time.

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