We are all connected through human experience, and every now and then, an album comes along that cuts to the very core of us. Caveman’s debut, CoCo Beware, is an album that upon first listen, you enjoy; but when you listen closer, you relish in.

Released on Sept. 13, the New York five-piece has put out one of this year’s most highly-anticipated albums from a new band. Having released a slew of songs from their debut album via blogs and music sites such as Pitchfork and The Fader, as well as opening for The War on Drugs on tour, the buzz Caveman has already garnered is astounding.

Each song from this impressive debut is strong and they stand on their own within and without the greater context of the album. No songs are worthy of being skipped.

CoCo Beware has dark moments reminiscent of Stillwater’s Other Lives, and percussion and harmonies like Local Natives; but Caveman holds its own. Especially in songs like “My Room” where its minimalism is weaved with subtle intricacies. The dark tones blend with the uplifting to convey the contradictions of human nature. Matthew Iwanusa sings, “I don’t like silence. I don’t like people” as the harmonies swell alongside the clacking of a drum.

And this combination can be seen throughout the album. Drums build to guitars, guitars build to Iwanusa’s vocals, and his vocals build to understated harmonies that I imagine are far more powerful in a live setting. This is surely best exemplified in “Decide,” which has a beautiful blend of vocals that could be moving in front of an audience.

With a name like Caveman, it is clear the band is concerned with the human condition — the most primitive of our species’ behavior. Iwanusa is able to exemplify our most base emotions and characteristics. We are selfish. We are jealous. We are lonely. We are lost. But we love. Deeply. And we are filled with wonder. Our moments of weakness — although not the best of us — are our most human moments. We err, and this is how we grow.

Part of the appeal of CoCo Beware is Iwanusa doesn’t hold back. His honesty allows for people to connect, and the melodies allow for people to sing along — to something with substance.

The transition from “Vampirer” into “Old Friend” is one of the standout moments of the album — and the latter is arguably the best track. I say “arguably” because, well, each song is impressive in its own way. “Great Life” is reserved, “Easy Water” is smooth, and “Thankful” is contemplative while bordering on existential. And in the album’s closer, “December 28” Iwanusa sings about love, but you can’t help but feel it’s tinged with sadness. Somehow, all aspects of emotion are covered while still sounding cohesive, but not repetitive.

Caveman consists of Matthew Iwanusa (lead vocals, guitar, drums), Jimmy “Cobra” Carbonetti (guitar), Stefan Marolachakis (drums, vocals), Sam Hopkins (synthesizer, vocals), and Jeff Berrall (bass, vocals). CoCo Beware will be out in its physical form on Magic Man! Records on Nov. 15.

Check out the video below for a performance of “Great Life” on Yourstru.ly.

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Click here to download CoCo Beware through iTunes. For more information, visit CavemantheBand.com.