2023 Number 3: Unitopia

NIELS' TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2023: Number 3
Unitopia – Seven Chambers

Unitopia are back after a long absence. I’ve always liked this Australian band, especially their classic song “Tesla”, the song with the best chorus in prog history. But I never fully loved them, until now. An album that starts with the literal beat from Genesis’ Duchess knows the way into my heart, especially when they have an actual Genesis alumnus, Chester Thompson, on board. And reunite him with his old buddy from Weather Report, Alphonso Johnson. To have that legendary rhythm section working together again in music like this is a great thing in itself.

The Big G is obviously a big influence on this one, but Unitopia keep things contemporary. They are more of the Big Big Train school of modern pastoral prog, although this album is harder and more mischievous than BBT. They throw everything but the kitchen sink at this one. Mellotron, metal riffs, violin, hip hop, flutes and synthesizers, with the occasional left-field musical twist and a fistful of satisfying epics. Expansive anything-goes prog, do anything, go anywhere, but you still get a fully whole and coherent album out of the deal. Everything just goes right on this one.

Like last time, the lyrics are more or less the weakest link here, with the words - about the effects of ageing and illness - heartfelt but the poetry on display often basic and on the nose. Let it not rain on your parade; this is a winner. Your finest kitchen-sink prog from the Land Down Under.