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Coming out of Australia, Unitopia's
debut has some usual 70's prog sounds blended pretty well
with modern influences. I believe this is the first UNITOPIA
release other than perhaps an EP, so this is new to my ears.
One thing can be said is that Unitopia utilize more than the
usual retro prog act, and is heavy on rhythms and textures
not too unlike Peter Gabriel's solo work. Hopefully the word
'Gabriel' cropping up all over this review doesn't put off
anybody, as there really isn't any Genesis clone sound in
here at all. The vocals do have a slight Gabriel texture here
and there, but just slightly. And not really. ***
The best material is towards the
middle and end, where they textures and songwriting step up
a notch. 'SLOW DOWN' is an atmospheric winner especially,
while 'MORE THAN A DREAM' is a decent anthem. The album closer
'STILL HERE' is 80's Peter Gabriel to the core. While other
'prog' bands tirelessly study anything and everything Gabriel
from 1972-75 with an almost unhealthy fanaticism, this one
track is more the real deal, taking its Gabriel influence
from the era when Gabriel was his true self and not part of
a songwriting committee. This album is good melodic rock for
night listening. It starts rather average, but the better
tracks are in the second half.***
Here's the trax:
COMMON GOAL: starts with the heavy
rhythm, followed by some mellotron. I was worried at first
when I first heard the mellotron, maybe thinking that the
album would be littered with that cumbersome beast of an instrument.
However, they also drop in some horn sounds, rappy vocals,
dark guitars and other flavors.***
FATE: imagine Peter Gabriel as
the singer of a slightly more adventurous MIKE & THE MECHANICS
but not quite. This one is a melodic mid-tempo with some well
placed saxophone and female backing vocals.***
JUSTIFY: Gabriel circa 1992(US)
sound at first, before going into a more jazzier section with
some clicking bass and electric piano and ending with a more
anthemic closing.***
TAKE GOOD CARE: an orchestral intro,
much like the soundtrack to an epic film. Then African folk
influences, which take you into a more 'world' music scenario.
This is a positive and uplifting track.***
RIDE: a shorter track in a funkier
direction.***
MORE THAN A DREAM: a piano intro,
engaging atmosphere and rhythm slightly recall IQ's more accesssable
moments from the 90's, if in spirit, while the orchestral
bits add a rich luster which makes this one of the better
tracks from the album.***
SLOW DOWN: an atmospheric and dreamier
track which probably would have been more effective as the
last track on the album. Almost Pink Floyd-like until the
rhythm/funk section comes in with a jazz/classical section
which is music to the ears, then the reprise of the main theme.
Good track.***
LIVES GO ROUND: another more upbeat
number with some Yes-like instrumentation. Mostly upbeat with
slight acoustic textures, but with a slower mid section and
synth solo. ***
STILL HERE: some more atmospheric
world music rhythms and obvious Peter gabriel textures(think
of an imaginary Gabriel album between 1986's 'SO' and 1992's
'US' and maybe something like this may have been on it.) Nice
synths and ambience. Probably the one of the best solo songs
Gabriel never made. And forget Genesis.***
UNITOPIA have started off with a
decent disc for a debut, we'll see what happens next.***
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