“I’m not submissive, all this pessimism came from talking down on me.”
Playing it safe can only get you so far before you start to resent playing by the rules. While blending elements of hardcore with freestyle rap and grimy trap beats, UnityTX came to the brilliant conclusion that not giving a fuck will be what allows them to press ahead. Creating cathartic tracks with their use of genre bending, the effervescence of hip-hop becomes something so visceral alongside the desolate theming of their new album Somewhere, In Between.
Since forming in 2014, frontman Jay Webster (SHAOLIN G) has fought to create a safe space in music for those that feel like outsiders in areas that preach anti-conformist sentiments. Twelve years later he’s spearheaded an album that feels like a middle finger to the hypocritical elitists. Immediately the album opens on track “Sabotage”, introducing the audience to the vocalists’ ongoing struggle where he “almost broke today”. Instead of letting this moment be his making, he toys with the idea of turning this outrage into retribution, openly stating “I might fucking sabotage”.
But like all struggles of the mind caused by outdated expectations, anger is a spectrum. As the listener moves consecutively through the album, emotions begin to shift as further context is provided. Even the attempted psychoanalysis in “HEINOUS” advising of “textbook anger” is designed to enrage, or placate depending on who’s side you’re on. Webster progresses to a malicious mindset as “PARANOIA” plays host to an emotional duality the listener is yet to experience as they begin to question “why are you acting like you’re better off without me baby?”
Therapy speech aside, UnityTX knows exactly how to authentically describe their lived experience, only to then turn it into a powerful listening experience. As seen in their previous work, UnityTX uses opposing musical techniques to create an unsettling atmosphere. Their low tuning and chug guitar riffs emulate that ‘low’ feeling in tandem with a forceful vocal delivery, leaving the listener with catchy lyrics and an ironically upbeat mood. “LUCID” in particular is the most bewildering track yet. With a firm vocal fry introduction for forty seconds as an infectious trap beat leaks in, the chorus returns before you can even catch your breath.
Everything about this record is consistent with what we have already seen from UnityTX. Down to the bouncy guitars and punchy drums. There was never a doubt the production would remain sophisticated in the grimy way the fans are used to. However, the vocal delivery on Ferality felt more inspired by hip-hop rather than nu-metal as seen in Somewhere, In Between. There was a less punchy quality to the work, just not quite as powerful as we are seeing now.
Overall, this is a gratifying piece of work. Not only are the mixes perfect to get down and dirty in a club to, the messaging behind each song is something to be recognised. When taking in the lyrics, it has the capacity to be a real motivator for aspiring artists that feel looked down on in the industry without making it a ‘woe is me’ story. Despite this, when listened to back to back, the songs lack a level of uniqueness. For example, the track “INSIDE OUT” featuring House of Protection did not add anything to the album that was not already there, its only standout being complimentary vocal performances. Otherwise, you wouldn’t assume this was a feature. But, this is before paying any compliments to the exceptional melodic composition of each song, whether it’s their jumpy trap beats alongside atmospheric synths, or a “piss off the haters” heavy as fuck breakdown. If there was a word to describe this album, satisfaction comes to mind. Satisfying in execution, cathartic in nature. What more could you ask for?
7/10
Somewhere, In Between releases on the 13th March through Pure Noise Records and can be pre-ordered here.