Review Summary: Unified Theory get experimental, flirt with psychedelia.
Six years later, the guys follow up their brilliant yet overlooked debut with a second release- possibly even more brilliant and even more obscure. This is an album that no one knows about, but everyone should. Such sites as Wikipedia do not even make a mention about the album. Such a shame.
Chris Shinn, Brad Smith, Christopher Thorn, and Dave Krusen return after a lengthy break to continue with the original lineup. In Cinematic, they continue on with the same unique sound that they established in their first self-titled debut. However, Cinematic builds on that sound and is much more diverse. Thorn incorporates a bit more psychedelic elements to his playing than usual, and Brad has no lack for laying down killer bass lines. Shinn finally has a second quality piece of work to add to his résumé and prove why he is one of the most unique and dynamic singers out there.
15 Hits: The album starts off with a straightforward anthem that picks up right where the last album ended. Brad’s bass carries the song while Shinn is given ample room to display his range and Thorn shows us some of his very unique effects and playing style. A great introduction. 4/5
We Don’t Break: This song starts off with some clean guitar strumming before Thorn comes in with Unified Theory’s greatest and most crushing riff with Dave pounding in the background. It’s hard to do anything but bang your head as the full band comes in. Upon first listen, the chorus seems quite out of place as it breaks down slow and calm. But after a few listens, it seems to really set up each concurrent verse (quite the opposite of a typical build-up into a chorus). They probably could’ve improved on the chorus a bit, but each verse alone makes the song a great one. 4.5/5
Beneath the Underdog: One of the coolest verses ever heard in “We Don’t Break” is followed by the coolest bass groove on a UT album. This song follows a similar approach as the previous with a hard rocking verse and slowed down, melodic chorus. They execute the transitions seamlessly in this one though, and the song flows well. Shinn is nothing short of perfect here. 5/5
Can’t Let us Down: I love Dave’s drumming in this song. Brad again carries us through the whole song with some extraordinary bass work. The majority of this song is quite good, but nothing exceptional. However, we are treated to an incredible, psychedelic jam at the end of the song. 5/5
All in One: At this point I will just stop mentioning Brad. You can now assume his work in each song is simply outstanding as he is a major reason for why this band is so good. A solid song, with the introduction of some nice synth work. 4/5
1st 50 Feet: The song begins with a tuneless acoustic riff which we must assume will change or stop. It however is the foundation for this song, and it WORKS. I don’t know how, but it sounds amazing. This is truly one of the most unique and brilliant songs I have ever heard. Shinn’s vocals are absolutely haunting. 5/5
Perfect Qualities: Perfect Qualities induces perfect tranquility. It might seem odd or awkward at first with Thorn following Shinn’s vocal melody with a highly tremolo’d effect. You will soon find it hard not to smile and relax during this song as Thorn’s melodic guitar work floats from one ear to the other. You must have quality headphones to truly appreciate the beauty in this one. 4.5/5
Oscar and Me: Finally. Chris begins to show some real anger in his vocals during the chorus in this song. As he is such a versatile singer, I like that he doesn’t always have this grit to his voice. However, he still holds back a bit here, and I would’ve loved to hear him fully unleash his rage in this track since he doesn’t do so often. 4/5
Anna: Strange and beautiful, simply put. Such a pretty song. 5/5
One Less: There’s not much left to say at this point. Each member has a chance to show off one last time in this ending song. Thorn ends the album wailing away with some high pitched slide guitar work with another of Brad’s great bass lines taking us away. 4/5
I’m writing this review because it needs to be written. I was lucky to hear about Unified Theory in the first place from a friend a few years back. The s/t immediately became a favorite of mine, but I was sad to see it was their only work. For the longest time I never knew Cinematic existed. Apparently, not many people do. When I finally found out they had released a follow up to their first album, I somewhat assumed it wasn’t all that great considering the electronic only release and lack of any reviews or information about it.
This album proves that Unified Theory really is a super-group. I only wish I knew why this band never got the recognition they deserve. On one hand, this fact makes these two albums that much more special to the opportune few to hear them. On the other hand however, it’s sad to see such brilliant music go unnoticed. Unfortunately that’s what we live in today with our upside down record industry. Listen to this album. The mixing and producing is top of the line. Each band member is phenomenal. More importantly, they play together as a band.
