The Penthouse Plants release new single

Hailing from Chicago, The Penthouse Plants is a pioneering collaborative project in the art wave, post-punk, pre-industrial scene. Led by the talents of singer-songwriter and producer John X Belmonte, the band features a diverse ensemble including Bob Anderson on bass, Jim Miller on synths, Linda Taglia on keyboards and vocals, Juliet Annerino on backing vocals, Willie Tebbits on keyboards and Greg Hugar on percussion and drum machines.

Together, they create a sonic output that draws inspiration from the likes of Joy Division, Roxy Music, Giorgio Moroder and Peter Gabriel, creating a sound that’s entirely their own. Forming their musical alliance in the clubs of Chicago’s north side, The Penthouse Plants found a shared language in their artistic exploration. From the basement of a bar, they harnessed their collective creativity and embarked on a journey that would take them to iconic Chicago venues such as Tuts, CubbyBear, Basement of Metro, Berlin, Neo and Lucky Number.

Sharing their music with the wider world, they released their debut single “Lightning Strikes Starlight” back in 2021 before returning last year with their sophomore outing “So Involved” last year. Now they bring us their latest release with their brand new single titled “I’m Only Human,” a song written about a humanoid that believes it is a real human.

The track was originally penned in 1982 and brought to life on various Chicago stages, now gaining newfound relevance in our modern era of rapid technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence. Written from the perspective of a humanoid convinced it is a human, the song explores the intersection of humanity and technology with a theme that feels eerily pertinent.

Opened by the dark buzz of a synth drone before the pulsing march of a synth line takes over, riding the punch of a kick drum, John X Belmonte’s vocal leads glide in to spin moody lines that mirror the robotic aesthetic of the song’s context. The bright sparkle of mechanical tones adds to the immersive storytelling vibe as the snap of snare raises the energy before the song launches into an instantly catchy chorus.

Melting elements of post punk with synth pop and dark wave, “I’m Only Human” is a spectacular display of The Penthouse Plants’ unique sound, while attesting to the enduring quality of the songwriting that stems from decades ago. Despite its origins tracing back to the 80s, “I’m Only Human” feel thoroughly current, with a message that resonates strongly in today’s society. Packed full of memorable hooks, layers of intense synth and driving percussion, it’s a slick track that’s at once enjoyable and though-provoking.

Listen to I’m Only Human below

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