With a nod to the past and a vision of the
future, Unified Theory Good music is like a classic novel - it takes you to another place, another time, and lets you feel what the writer was feeling when the words came out and pen met paper. The music belies trends and stands on its own, a beacon to those who want to experience something that is at once different and yet like other great music. It pulls you in and lets you experience the pain, love and victories of the musicians. Listening to Unified Theory's self-titled debut for the first time, it's hard not to be pulled in and mesmerized by the music and lyrics. Unified Theory combine the best of mid-70's folk-rock with poetic lyrics and Chris Shinn's entrancing vocals, creating a sound that crosses the divide and makes for music that is timeless and original, all at once. This is music that is passionate and revealing, yet at times it is able to mask the sadness contained in the lyrics. Tracks such as "Wither" are able to sound sweet and positive, yet at a closer look, the tale being told is one of sadness and potential unachieved.
Seeing Unified Theory live solidifies the feeling. Their music is rock in a pure form. The songs played live sound much like the record, and the impressiveness of Shinn's vocals is strengthened - he sounds as good live as he does on tape. Each of the members have toured before, so there aren't the stage jitters found with many "new" bands. Smith is dynamic on stage and he and Krusen are locked in as a rhythm section. The only down side is that much of the audience when VOX caught them, at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California, was unfamiliar with the music. While a great number of the fans were won over by the performance, it makes it difficult when radio is too busy playing whatever the current trend is to give something new a try. Prior to the show, VOX had a chance to chat with Chris Shinn, Brad Smith and Christopher Thorn and talk about the Unified Theory movement, why this isn't Blind Melon Revisited and horrible ways to die. Check it out. |
The Unified Theory Movement Begins
Shinn's
beautiful voice, when combined with the musical abilities of ex-Blind Melon members Brad
Smith on bass and Christopher Thorn on guitar and original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen,
makes for a sound like nothing else in rock at this time. They aren't riding a trend, but
making their own way. As rock returns to a more song-based existence, this is the music
that listeners are searching for. This is really good music.