Covered Mirror Vol.1, Smooth as Silk (Birds Robe Records, 2012)
I like Unitopia’s positive attitude and philosophy, their beautiful artwork and their phenomenal vocals and instrumentation. Their latest album takes this melodic progressive rock band in a new direction. It’s an album of covers with pieces by progressive rock and pop acts.
Part of the title mentions smooth and indeed, the album is very smooth and melodic. The first song after the prelude is ‘Calling Occupants’ by Klaatu. Unitopia gives it a new and better life.
The next cut takes the listener to more familiar territory. It’s the Marillion song titled ‘Easter.’ Mark Trueack showcases his talented vocals, proving that he is one of the finest vocalists in the current progressive rock scene. There is also superb guitar and keyboard work.
‘Man Of Colours’ is a song by Australian band Icehouse. The group was looking for Australian material that was relatively unfamiliar. It has a jazzy feel, with saxophone.
One of the most anticipated sections of the album is the Genesis Medley. Unitopia does an excellent job blending parts of five different pieces. The medley includes ‘The Silent Sun,’ ‘Suppers Ready,’ ‘Selling England by the Pound,’ ‘Lamb Lies Down On Broadway,’ and ‘Carpet Crawlers.’ I’ll be honest; I really dislike the first song, ‘The Silent Sun,’ which is too sappy for me. The rest of the medley is totally enjoyable.
‘Rain Song’ is one of Led Zeppelin’s most beautiful songs. Mark Trueack performs an exquisite vocal version. I think that there should have been more guitars and less piano, honoring Jimmy Page’s original outstanding guitar work.
I’ve never been a great fan of Supertramp. Unitopia performs one of the band’s best known songs: ‘Even In The Quietest Moments,’ in a smooth jazzy format. Not my cup of tea.
Next comes the popular Todd Rundgren song, ‘Can We Still Be Friends.’ It has some interesting layered vocals and winds.
‘Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime’ is another popular song, this time by the Korgies.
If you ever wanted to find what Yes would have sounded like with Peter Gabriel as a vocalist, check out the Yes medley. The selection includes the memorable ‘You And I,’ ‘Awaken,’ ‘Close To The Edge,’ ‘Soon,’ ‘Onward,’ ‘South Side Of The Sky’ and my least favorite song by Yes, ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart.’
Next comes ‘To One In Paradise’ by The Alan Parsons Project. Another song too syrupy for me.
The Way The Waters Moving is Unitopia’s tribute to Swedish progressive rock band The Flower Kings.
The line-up includes: Mark Trueack on vocals; Sean Timms on keyboards and vocals; – Matt Williams on guitar and vocals; Tim Irrgang on drums and percussion; Daniel Burgess on sax, clarinet, flute, piccolo and didgeridoo; Craig Kelly on bass; David Hopgood on drums and percussion.
Considering the quality of the band’s musicians, I would have preferred a few more instrumental parts and virtuosity and less smoothness. Hopefully, the next album will be a little more spirited.