Unity
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A very diverse outfit who explore, rock, pop, metal, and plenty of other related genres, too, Rob Shinno (guitars, vocals, vocorder), Don Bowman (lead vocals, sax), Michael McQuilken (drums), Nate Brown (bass, groove) and Max Zape (keys), i.e. Hemisphere, make the most of the 11 well crafted tracks here.
“Blue Sky” gets the listen off to an energetic start with its sweeping strings, bright brass and Bowman’s soaring pipes, and “Rebel Rebel” follows with a slight reggae feel, where the band offer a very fusion-friendly spirit on the Bowie classic.
In the middle, the stirring strings of “Open Your Eyes” invites a highly intimate and poetic display of soothing song craft, while the retro-grooves of “The One” sound right at home in the ‘70s with its dreamy, soulful textures.
Further still, “Shadowland” showcases piano alongside powerful singing with a hint of jazz, and “Power To The People” exits with nostalgic pop that’s a bit jangly, entirely infectious and hosts booming brass, hand clapping and lively group vocals.
It’s not hard to think of Morrissey, The Beatles or Pink Floyd when listening to Unity, and the band’s ability to weave in and out of cultured, progressive and vintage pop ideas that will always be relevant, not to mention the superb backing vocalists and guests on horns, makes for a very fun listen.
Travels well with: Vanilla Bloom- Promise; Jon Fuller- When Did You Get So Damn Scared