Unitary - Safe From Harm

Although there's at least one album already out there, this is the first I've ever heard of Unitary - an act from Sweden. The very first thing that grabs me is the album cover, which I was genuinely expecting to belong to a Neofolk act. It reminds me more of the work of Sturmpercht, Allerseelen, etc then it does Lost Signal, Namnambulu and Frozen Plasma. However this is where the confusion ends, as Unitary is indeed a Futurepop project.

In essence, the sound doesn't have anything new or immediately memorable to it - the initial track 'Cold' is very, very fast indeed with some great interludes. There's nothing wrong with the Vocals, either. However, the Artwork has left a big imprint on me and it's of great concern that it doesn't become more remembered than the music does.

Wolves, Ice, Tundra and Isolation are exactly what I expect to get from the aforementioned cover, and the first two songs are fittingly entitled 'Cold' and 'Calm'. Closer 'No Signal' also enforces the weaving theme of despair, and it's nice to see a genre usually thought of as the "happier side of EBM" showing its teeth.

It takes until the third track 'Renitent' for this release to really stand out to me, but that introduction is absolutely beautiful. This track commands a freezing, fed up plea to be heard, and entwines the narrative with some powerfully structured songwriting. It reminds me heavily of Seabound, with elements of Cut.Rate.Box flowing through it.

I find this album frustrating. Tracks are either genuinelly wonderful, or feel like they're building up to a majestic climax, but don't really push to that memorable level.

As an avid connoisseur of Futurepop, Synthpop, and all associated styles, I can honestly say I have heard better, and heard better this year.

However, there are at least 50% of the tracks on here that are better than average, and a couple in particular that just carry this album.

I think a 6 is too harsh a score, but the lack of consistency I find throughout leaves me scratching my head a bit too much for what I'd consider easy listening. Saying that, I didn't like Edge of Dawn when I first heard them. They're now my most played act of all time.

Possibly an investment - check both Unitary and Infacted websites, as samples may be available. Aug 24 2011