Unpeople: we are unpeople
Unpeople are a band with undeniable talent, already carving out a name for themselves within the alternative scene. Now, with the release of their debut album, we are unpeople, arriving 9 October via SharpTone Records, they are sending a clear message to the world: this is only the beginning.
Blending brightness and joy with aggression and intensity, we are unpeople promises to be a bold introduction to the band and everything they stand for. More than simply a debut album, it serves as a definition of unpeople – not only as a band, but as a movement built around bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and celebrating unity.
Starting the album off fiercely, we have the infectious track 'clouds', which immediately cements itself as one of the songs on the album that listeners will become addicted to. With a variety of different riffs, four-person harmonies and changes in tempo intertwined throughout, 'clouds' is more than just a track – it's an anthem about temptation and taking a step outside of your comfort zone.
Following on with similar ferocity, 'friends' is a twisted definition of a love song, something vocalist Jake Crawford has echoed, explaining how 'friends' is a song from the perspective of someone who is wholly sceptical about the idea of love. This idea is painfully obvious throughout the song's addictive lyrics, with mixed emotions being expressed from start to finish.
Following on, we have 'swallow', an aggressive song straight out of the gate, tastefully mixing Jake's raw vocals with his violent screams. This song is another track carrying a statement on its back, and an albeit obvious one – if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all. 'swallow', however, isn't asking nicely; it's a threat tied into killer instrumentals and vocals, yet something fans can definitely relate to underneath the surface.
A few tracks later on the album, there's 'haunted', a song with an underlying noughties vibe, tying rave-adjacent instrumentals into the chorus and extra harmonies in the background to bring the song to another level. Once again, the mix of tempos throughout the song, especially with the slower bridge, makes 'haunted' a listening journey, both lyrically and instrumentally.
Changing the pace slightly with a song centred around rhythmic drums, we have 'waste'. It approaches life as a futile burst of experiences, rather than a longer process to fulfil, as we spend a lot of our lives wasting time on things that ultimately end up being pointless. 'waste' is a fun, colourful exploration of life despite its cynical interpretations – life isn't a race or something to compete in, but instead, something to be enjoyed and expressed while we have it.
Bringing the album to a close is 'as you were', a fitting conclusion that once again showcases the band's impressive vocal abilities. Different members take centre stage at various points throughout the track, creating a collective yet deeply personal quality. More than anything, the song embodies the togetherness that can be felt across the entirety of the album. Its lively vocals reinforce the band's wider message: life is an experience, and we should make the most of it while we're here.
That message sits at the very heart of unpeople. By transforming unpeople from a phrase historically associated with political othering into one centred around individuality, identity and belonging, the band have created something that feels both personal and universal. we are unpeople is ultimately a celebration of making space for everyone – an invitation to embrace individuality, live freely and find belonging without having to sacrifice who you are.