Ahead of their forthcoming album, Illumination, legendary English synth-pop duo When In Rome share “Human Nature,” a dark and driving single that pairs dancefloor energy with timely social commentary. Channeling shades of Depeche Mode and Tears For Fears, the track examines the divisions that emerge between people while questioning whether conflict itself is simply part of the human condition.
Written during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Human Nature” reflects a period marked by uncertainty, isolation, and growing polarization. Beneath its pulsing rhythms and powerful electronic production lies a meditation on why people can be so quick to turn against one another over political, religious, and personal differences.
The song emerged after vocalist Clive Farrington was introduced to producer, DJ, and remixer Ryan Roth through longtime collaborator Colin Wood (Coleurs). After receiving an instrumental track from Jones, Farrington immediately connected with its energy. Much like the band’s iconic 1988 international hit “The Promise,” the lyrics and vocal melody emerged spontaneously while recording, flowing directly onto tape rather than being carefully planned beforehand.
“‘Human Nature’ explores why people can be unkind to one another over political, religious, or personal differences,” explains Farrington. “The song suggests that this behavior is an inherent part of the human experience.”
The collaboration brought a fresh dynamic to the band’s songwriting process. Coming from a different musical background than Farrington and Andrew Mann, Jones injected a new level of energy and urgency into the production while maintaining a clear appreciation for the synth-driven sounds of the 1980s. His contributions helped shape a track that feels both familiar and contemporary.
Production played a crucial role in defining the song’s identity. Built around tough drums, a commanding bassline, and an undeniable dancefloor pulse, “Human Nature” reflects the broader vision behind Illumination. “We wanted the whole album to have a dance feel,” Farrington notes.
The recording process also benefitted from an impressive team of collaborators. Al Judd (Information Society, Devo, Wang Chung, The Fixx) crafted the pre-production mixes, while Nick Jackson (producer of The Fixx) helped further refine the track. Final mixing duties were handled by Devon Loughheed, helping elevate the song into the polished and cinematic statement heard today.
Lyrically, “Human Nature” captures the tension and uncertainty that defined the pandemic era while remaining strikingly relevant today. Its observations feel both personal and universal, confronting the divisions that separate people while inviting listeners to reflect on the forces that connect them.
