EP REVIEW: unpeople – unpeople

’…it feels almost inevitable that unpeople will explode in the very near future…’

Every now and then, a band or artist will come along that causes a stir in their scene, without having released or performed very much. They simply possess something about them that makes people look their way, something integral to their identity that is hard to define. unpeople are one such act.

The UK four-piece only released their debut single, ‘smother’, earlier this year, but have already become one of the most hotly tipped bands in the heavy scene; a nomination at the Heavy Music Awards for Best UK Breakthrough Act should say it all. That is before we even begin to dive into their superb self-titled EP.

Perfectly balancing heaviness with catchiness, unpeople bring sonic influence from alternative rock and metalcore to produce something that feels raw and cutting, yet ready to be played in front of thousands of revellers. Catchy choruses and gorgeous harmonies are interwoven between brutal breakdowns, all of it delivered with a swaggering, seismic energy.

Their aforementioned lead single, ‘smother’, is particularly great in this regard, introducing the world to the sonic identity of unpeople perfectly; stomping rhythms carry the track forwards, layered with raucous, distorted riffs, and a great balance of huge melodies and guttural screams.

It’s the deeper cuts on the EP, however, that prove the most rewarding. ‘moon baboon’ showcases the wonderful vocal harmonies that rise up between Jake Crawford and Meg Mash, accompanied by expansive, celebratory choruses that are decorated with surprisingly visceral lyricism (‘So pick a hill and dig a grave on it/‘Cause soon that’s where you’ll be’).

All of this adds up to a glorious experience that you can’t help but return to over and over. The hooks snag you and refuse to let go, meaning that you will be going around with these songs in your head for far too long; it feels almost inevitable that unpeople will explode in the very near future.

So get on board now, and find out just why you should believe the unpeople hype.

RATING: 83/100 – Very Good

For Fans Of: Dead Poet Society, Biffy Clyro, Bring Me The Horizon, Nothing But Thieves, Royal Blood

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Twitter