Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind
Sono Luminus, 2025
9/10
Listen to Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind
The pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev and composer Sean Hickey come together for this thoughtful listen that was inspired by the critically-acclaimed and best-selling book, Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari.
“Pre-History” opens the listen with emphasis on atmosphere, where the keys enter amid mystery for the eloquent execution, and “Lascaux” follows with soft and pretty patterns that resonate tremendous skill that builds into dramatic swells.
The middle tracks belong to “Jericho” and “Mean Temperament”. The former rumbles in a lower register that’s curious and imaginative, while the latter is a more dense display of Rumyantsev’s inimitable playing that makes for the album’s best.
Residing near the end, “Confirmation Bias” offers an initially light and mesmerizing spirit of complex but accessible song craft, and “Commonwealth” exits with a dreamy ambience of reflective and heartfelt piano prowess.
A highly sincere effort, Hickey pens a musical response to human signposts, concepts, myths or ideas that our existences have dragged along for thousands of years in our quest for humanity, and it makes for an enlightening and powerful experience.
Travels well with: Gerald Cohen- Steal A Pencil For Me; Ryan Townsend Strand- Dear Mrs. Kennedy