There’s going solo, which most often means leaving one band to lead another, and then there’s solo, the classic one-man band model of one person with a pile of instruments, going it alone, only answering to their own muse and technical ability. That’s the approach taken by Andrew Becker, formerly the drummer for Medications and Screens, and it’s one that seems to be common with drummers. Left to their own devices, they’re eager to show they’re more than just the backbeat. For his debut in the spotlight, Becker has unveiled the moniker Human Potential for his first solo release, Heartbreak Record (What Delicate Recordings).

While you never know what to expect with such projects, in the case of Human Potential, there are some shared aesthetics with Screens. Both possess some shoegazing sensibilities, but Heartbreak Record occupies a quiet, internal space rather than a wall of sound, though there are layers upon layers of gauzy production sheen. While the drums and percussion have a robust presence, everything else seems determined to not make a fuss. This extends to Becker’s vocals, which are generally so buried, it’s like he is a ghost in the machine. Actually, that might be too aggressive a stance for Becker. If his vocals were a conversation, you’d find yourself politely nodding and smiling as you pretend like you’ve heard everything when really you’ve only caught 10% of what’s being said. It seems cruelly ironic that in an outing as the main guy, Becker is more hidden than he was as just the drummer in the back.

But the one thing that is clear as day is that Becker knows how to construct a soundscape that is remarkably uncluttered. There are a bunch of moving parts and little sounds that fly in and out. It’s lush but with some sharp accents. The term “headphone album” gets thrown around a bunch, but Heartbreak Record seems to be purposely made for solo listening. There are so many intricately little moments that are buried in the mix, it’s almost like a different album when heard on a standard set of speakers. Yet, it isn’t all technique and no substance. There are a variety of sonic variations and tempos that draw you in while at the same time the production keeps you at a distance. It’s an interesting dance; Heartbreak Record is very much a crafted album that seemingly wants to play with some pop sensibilities, but would rather dip a toe in than dive in. The potential may not be all the way fulfilled, but there’s enough here to warrant sticking around to find out what happens next.