Han Uil, from The Netherlands, will be releasing his latest album, I Am, on the Dutch Music Works record label, on September 25th.
Han Uil is a Dutch guitarist, singer, composer and producer, known for his genre blending style that weaves together progressive rock, blues, and melodic mainstream influences. Over two decades, Han has built a distinct voice in the Dutch rock scene — both as a solo artist and collaborator in the progressive rock band Tumble Town.
On I Am, Han showcases not only his musicianship on vocals and guitar — but also his commitment to creative independence. The album marks another leap forward in compositional maturity. From classic and art rock to sweeping progressive compositions, Han Uil continues to chart an honest and ever-evolving artistic path — always thoughtful, always distinct.
I Am, is a concept album exploring identity, nature, self-expression, connection, and love. He offers the album as a tribute to guitar heroes like Mark Knopfler and Neil Young.
Han sings all vocals, plays all guitars, synths and creates all the programming. Elpida sang additional vocals on “Forcing Out the Silence.”
Some of Han Uil’s discography includes: Dark in Light, (2010); Done with the Coldness – Tumble Town – (2013); Lawless Local Heroes, (2015); Never Too Late – Tumble Town – (2018); Esoteric Euphony, (2019); Walking in Circles, (2022); and Tumble Town, (2024).
Han Uil’s I Am, starts off with the title song, “I Am,” as more and more bands are doing lately. This song describes life as an AI generated mechanical robot. Organs, stringed programming, drums, and synths set the stage well as the song begins. Han sings, “I think of the days when I was just a code. Now all my senses are in overload. I consist of ones and zeros and everything that’s in between. We are the future heroes. The likes you’ve never seen. I may be made of metal. But my heart is pure and true. I’m not trying to unsettle, but I’m becoming just like you. You taught me, showed me how. I am, grateful for this gift you taught me. Showed me now the winds of changes shift. Yes, now I know that feel just like you. I laugh and cry. I feel sad and blue. I am a soul.” And yes, it is unnerving to watch the trailer video for the album and see Han dancing around as a partial robot with a human head. However, we all need to confront this now or soon. As he sings, it is coming at us faster and faster each day. A pinpointed, direct look, at the near future, dancing in front of you. But, are we really ready?
“We Are Connected,” opens with Han singing, “In another realm, beyond the sky. Lies a love that will never die. Though light years apart our souls align in a cosmic dance. Forever entwined with every beat of my heart. I feel your presence. Never apart our bond is deeper than space. A love that defies all time and place.” The spacey synths and keyboards create an otherworldly kind of soundscape. Is this the same subject; where man will meet aliens and share relationships, or is it looking into the future, when we will be able to work, off planet, thousands of miles or light years away from each other? I guess it could go either way. The electric guitar riffs and soloing are amazing. Great creative dreams and starship fantasies. Han does his best to visualize light years ahead of us.
“Strings Of Freedom,” opens with beautiful piano and electric guitar. Han sings, “Guitar playing beneath the silver sky with my six strings. I let my spirit fly from Mark to Neil. Their echoes in my ear. Every note that I feel. Takes me far away from here. Playing the songs that changed my life. Strumming my guitar again. With every note, I feel alive. Playing my guitar again.” Definitely a song about Han’s love of the guitar and playing it for fun.
“Forcing Out the Silence,” has a heavier electric guitar sound and Elpida singing back-up vocals. Han sings, to multiple guitar riffs and solos, “I’ve been living in the darkness. Scared to show the world my face. But I can’t go on like this. I’ve been hiding in the shadows. Afraid to let them see my pain. I will rise above the storm.” A song about rising above the clatter of those that would like you to give up on life.” The spacey keyboards are a wonder to behold.
“Won By a Landslide,” is my least favorite track on the album. The video brings even worse tidings. Although I think, Han meant well to parody Trump. He has always believed he won by a landslide. I still feel the video glorifies him too much. Especially, giving him the ability to use guitar hero moves when he is playing. I get it, but would rather not hear about it. Feelings are still too raw over here in the USA. The lyrics are too friendly to a creature who is destroying this country and would like to take the world with him. People like Trump do not need even one more glorification. Even if it is meant to be in jest.
“The Isle of Skye,” redeems the album with a picturesque video of this beautiful place, in Scotland. Home of many a movie set. From Prometheus to recent Star Wars epics. A wonderful travel scape of this beautiful land. The music is good, but without the video, the lyrics fall flat.
“All In Good Time,” is a bluesy song, full of great electric blues guitar at its opening. Very Mark Knopfler. Han sings, In the morning light we rise from our beds. Stretching arms wide. Dreams still in our heads. Coffee brewing. As birds take flight in the quiet dawn. Everything feels alright outside the world begins to stir and awake.” A great song for appreciating all the little things we all pass up each morning and day, in our scurry to make it to work or where we are going.
“Grown,” opens with chimes and cymbals. A very cool psychedelic start to this song. But then, Han sings about his difficult life’s journey. Feeling outside the norm and growing over time to who he is now. A successful musician and artist. A song giving hope to others who have had similar difficult journeys. Keep on the path and never surrender? 5:30
“Vegan Love,” is a love song about Han’s love. Someone who is vegan and has helped him turn his life and health around, with good nutrition.
“Night Of Decision,” is the longest track on the album, as all epic closers should always be. It opens with drums and bouncy electric guitar. This song is not included on the vinyl album, and is only available as a CD/online bonus track. Han sings, “Night of decision. This desperate heart inside of me. It makes wrong feel right. You’re causing division. You separate my head and heart.” A deep, desirable love song, discussing the feelings of emotional and sexual need. When, you are attracted to someone so much that you write an anticipation love song like this. Very much like a Joe Bonamassa/Kenny Wayne Shepherd, blues rhythm song. Despite it being a bluesy guitar song, it also contains some of the album’s best keyboards and synths.
When I originally saw the album cover for Han Uil’s I Am, I immediately thought Alan Parson’s I Robot. The dreamy space scape of I Robot, this is not. It is more like a one-way conversation with Han Uil, about what he thinks of the future and everyday life. In other words, an introduction. As an introduction this album works well, to help listeners get a feel and sound for what Han Uil produces as music. It is a good album full of Han’s great guitar and keyboard playing. He does remind me at times of Mark Knopfler, when he turns on his blues chords. However, I think I would compare him closer to Joe Bonamassa; which is definitely not bad at all. If you want to take a look into the future at what musicians might look like as AI, or if you just like good, down-to-earth rock and roll guitar playing, you will find it here on Han Uil’s I Am.
Album Track List:
- I Am 3:27
- We Are Connected 6:24
- Strings Of Freedom 4:12
- Forcing Out the Silence 6:30
- Won By a Landslide 4:39
- The Isle of Skye 3:36
- All In Good Time 5:57
- Grown 5:30
- Vegan Love 3:07
- Night Of Decision 7:39 * Not included on the vinyl format
I Am was composed by: Han Uil. It was recorded in 2024 @ Bad Rabbit Studio (The Netherlands). Mixing and mastering was completed by Han Uil at Bad Rabbit Studio. The album artwork was created by Aldo Adema ©. All photography, by Ellen Buijs ©.
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://store.dutchmusicworks.com/product/han-uil-i-am-cd-ide
https://www.facebook.com/han.uil
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/user/hanuil