Human Impact
American noise rock supergroup formed by Unsane and Cop Shoot Cop members.
Human Impact is a noise rock supergroup from the United States, bringing together musicians from Unsane, Swans, Cop Shoot Cop, Daughters, and Made Out of Babies. Chris Spencer announced the project and simultaneously stated he was leaving Unsane. The band’s first album, a self-titled release, came out on March 13, 2020. A standalone single, “Contact,” followed on April 7, with its earnings donated to New York City’s COVID-19 emergency relief fund. Two more singles, “Transit” and “Subversion,” were released on June 29.
The group’s roots trace back to the late 1980s New York hardcore scene, where Unsane and Cop Shoot Cop formed. Keyboardist Jim Coleman (Cop Shoot Cop) and vocalist-guitarist Chris Spencer (Unsane) became close friends during that era. Both bands later became influential in noise rock, but it was not until 2018 that the two discussed starting a new project. Spencer recalled that Coleman approached him about a year earlier, asking if he wanted to collaborate. Having wanted to work with Coleman since their early days, Spencer agreed. Drummer Phil Puleo and bassist Chris Pravdica later joined; Puleo had played with Coleman in Cop Shoot Cop, and both Puleo and Pravdica had performed together in Swans.
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- New York City, New York, USA
- Genre
- Industrial metal / Noise rock
- Years Active
- –present
- Label
- Ipecac
- Associated Acts
- Swans / Cop Shoot Cop / Unsane / Xiu Xiu
- Current Members
- Chris Spencer / Jim Coleman / Jon Syverson / Eric Cooper
- Past Members
- Phil Puleo / Chris Pravdica
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Unsane and Cop Shoot Cop both formed in the late 1980s hardcore scene in New York City. During this time, Jim Coleman (Cop Shoot Cop's keyboardist) and Chris Spencer (Unsane's vocalist and guitarist) developed a close friendship. Both bands became influential to noise rock, but it wasn't until 2018 that the two discussed forming a band. Chris Spencer commented: 'Jim approached me about a year ago and asked if I would want to do something together. Jim and I had been friends since the early days of Unsane and Cop Shoot Cop and I had always wanted to do something with him, so of course I was in.'
Drummer Phil Puleo and bassist Chris Pravdica joined later on. Puleo had played in Cop Shoot Cop with Coleman, and in Swans with Pravdica. The band released their self-titled debut album on March 13, 2020, followed by the non-album single 'Contact' on April 7, with proceeds going to the New York City COVID-19 emergency relief fund. On June 29, they released two further singles, 'Transit' and 'Subversion'.
Reader's Guide
Human Impact represent a convergence of key figures from the New York noise rock scene, drawing on the legacies of Unsane, Cop Shoot Cop, Swans, Daughters, and Made Out of Babies. Their formation in 2018, after decades of friendship between Chris Spencer and Jim Coleman, brought together musicians who had shaped the genre since the late 1980s. The band's debut album in March 2020 and subsequent singles, including the charity single 'Contact' for COVID-19 relief, marked their entry into a new era of noise rock. Their significance lies in continuing the abrasive, experimental tradition of their members' previous bands while forging a distinct identity. The group's timeline shows ongoing activity with EPs and albums through 2024, indicating sustained relevance in the underground music scene.
Did You Know?
- Human Impact's debut album was released on March 13, 2020.
- Proceeds from the single 'Contact' went to the New York City COVID-19 emergency relief fund.
- Chris Spencer announced the band while also confirming he would no longer be playing with Unsane.
- Drummer Phil Puleo had previously played in Cop Shoot Cop with Jim Coleman and in Swans with Chris Pravdica.
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