Martin Tillman's Superhuman
After moving from Zurich to Los Angeles almost 30 years ago, Martin Tillman’s career took off after meeting and working with composer Hans Zimmer on films ranging from Pirates of the Caribbean to Blackhawk Down and The Dark Knight Rises. Originally trained as a classical cellist, he delved into unexplored musical genres for his instrument and now composes sweeping, atmospheric soundscapes involving global collaborations.
Superhuman is dedicated to Tillman’s wife Eva, who was diagnosed with MS 9 years ago. Eva’s courage and strength to live and fight against the degenerative disease inspired him to compose the album. The album is a reaffirmation of the power of the human spirit and a testament to love. Celebrate the courage and drive of those who must muster the superhuman strength necessary to face extraordinary challenges every day.
Superhuman soars in all its panoramic splendor across 11 diverse tracks including the sublime Zero Gravity whose tranquility radiates an expansive and wondrous ambiance. Tillman fuses Ravel’s classical music with cutting-edge electronic dance music on the dynamic and relevant Superhuman.
The Invisible Shield of Strings and Bows unfolds like a film reel filled with poignantly drawn cello lines. Bright washes of synths and a fast dance tempo run through the EDM-drenched Wonder. Cracked Diamonds arrives with a sleek, James Bond-like sensuality, while Celluloid Spaces moves from soulful gospel-blues to joyful EMD euphoria.
Tillman even adds a trace of human voice to an otherwise entirely instrumental album, with wordless female croons gracing the gospel rocker Unlocking the Locks and hymn-like sighs floating over the somber Involuntary Midnight.