Reviewed by MJBrady on 20 May 2007

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This cd was originally released in 2005, and now more recently by the Unicorn Digital label, perhaps as a precursor to the bands' expected new recording set for 2007. Hailing from Canberry, Australia, Unitopia takes an altogether different approach to their version of progrock.

The music is built around the writing ideals of singer/percussionist - Mark Trueack, Guitarists/Vocalist - Sean Timms, and Keyboardist/ vocalist - Matt Williams, with strong musical contributions from other members. They construct their songs around a strong vocal presence, with insightful lyrics that draw from philosophical contemplation, world affairs, environmental enlightenment, and personal responsibility. Behind the vocals they draw from many influences musically, hard rock, new age, progressive rock, jazz, just to name a few. The music would probably be more closely referred to as Neo-Progressive, typically because the vocals are the dominant aspect of the band, with the music being more straightforward, they are not symphonic, nor do they display instrumental virtuosity, although they do come across as a talented and skilled group that plays in the context of the song.

The vocals are interesting, sounding quite a bit like vintage Eric Clapton to my ears, though other comparisons have been made to Gabriel, Collins, Fish or Roger Waters. Any of these are at the very least close references to Trueack's style. This music is textured and layered with sound, both from the instruments and vocals, I never really hear anyone instrument stand out from the rest, I guess that is where the Neo tag would apply, it's really not so complex and demanding to the listener, yet it is sophisticated enough that you do hear many nuances going on behind the vocals and lyrics, which really do require that you follow along, as this music has an intent, and that is a message.

Where many prog bands tell stories of myth and legend, or even futuristic musings, Unitopia lives in the present, and speaks more on attempting to build a consciousness amoung those willing to hear their pleas of what they are seeing around them in real life. A bit different, yet a nice approach in using their musical gifts for a cause beyond garnering attention to themselves. Overall a nice cd, very professionally done, with a lot of sound to indulge in, maybe not my favorite style as my tastes are geared more towards instrumentation and complexity, yet for this genre, it is quite a good sounding piece of music. I do in fact look forward to hearing more from Unitopia, they are different enough in many ways to inspire me beyond my musical preferences.