WHEN IN ROME – “HUMAN NATURE”
SONIC ENVY
Ahead of their forthcoming album, Illumination, out later this summer 2026, 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.
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 benefited 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.
When In Rome originally signed with 10 Records, a subsidiary of Virgin Records, and quickly found success with their self-titled debut album. Alongside “The Promise,” the group released fan favourites including “Heaven Knows” before touring extensively throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
After disbanding in 1993, Farrington and Mann reunited in 2004, continued performing around the world, and appeared on major nostalgia tours including Lost 80s Live and the 80s Cruise. Renewed interest generated by the inclusion of “The Promise” in films such as Napoleon Dynamite introduced the band’s music to a new generation of listeners.
In 2024, the group released “The Promise (REDUX)” and signed with Sonic Envy Music in Canada. Now, with Illumination on the horizon, When In Rome are thrilled to share their first full collection of new material in years.
On “Human Nature,” Farrington and Mann deliver a dark, danceable reflection on division, empathy, and the complexities of modern life while proving that their signature blend of synth-pop hooks and emotional resonance remains as powerful as ever.
ARTIST QUOTE
“‘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.”
When In Rome
[Single]
(Sonic Envy)
Release Date: July 10, 2026
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