From the moment I discovered Unto Others, I knew this band would be legendary. Previously known as Idle Hands from 2017 to 2020, Unto Others have branded their new name into many fans’ hearts and playlists with their unique blend of heavy metal, gothic rock, and post-punk. This group of talented musicians, based in Portland, Oregon and fronted by Gabriel Franco, has been steadily rising in popularity with each new release, starting with their EP Don’t Waste Your Time in 2018 and their full-length albums Mana in 2019 and Strength in 2021. After 3 years, they are finally releasing their highly anticipated 3rd studio album titled Never, Neverland-after signing with Century Media-which releases on September 20th, 2024.
This record is kicked off by “Butterfly,” a song I had on repeat as soon as it was released as a single. This song feels like an instant classic, with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. This is followed by “Momma Likes the Door Closed,” a faster track that has a horror punk feel to it and showcases Gabe’s characteristic vocals. “Angel of the Night” is a slower song that somehow feels nostalgic, and “Suicide Today” is a super catchy and almost-upbeat song about a dark topic, in typical Unto Others fashion. “Sunshine” immediately gives off a classic rock song impression and feels light and airy in the best way possible. The instrumental “Glass Slippers” is a perfect follow up and break that lets you catch your breath a bit before the next track. “Fame” is another catchy one, and “When the Kids Get Caught” feels darker with its monotone singing and has an electrifying solo and awesome guitar work throughout.
The second half of the album starts off powerfully with “Flatline,” a track that is faster, fueled by rage, and way more aggressive than the tracks before, and proves that Gabe can add some harshness to his vocals. I love the guitars in “Time Goes On,” and “Cold World” slows things down, ramps up the emotions, and is impossible not to sing along to. “I Am the Light” is addictive and feels way too short, and the thirteenth track “Farewell” is another lovely instrumental that thankfully is not the last song, as I was not ready for this album to end just yet. “Raigeki,” another pre-release single, translates to “lightning strike” in Japanese, and is another instant classic, with its catchiness and energy. “Hoops” is mostly instrumental, with some of Gabe’s vocalizations throughout, and the title track “Never, Neverland” brings the album to a close with its dreamy and ethereal feel.
All the songs on this album feel like classics already, and I can’t wait for the world to hear them, love them, and sing along to them. Unto Others expertly manages to create unique and impactful songs that somehow feel both new and classic at the same time, and each song has that recognizable “Unto Others’ sound that makes the band truly stand out and seem extra special. I love the Japanese-inspired feel of the new album, with the cherry blossoms on the cover and the black and pink theme of the merch. Never, Neverland is fun and catchy yet dark and heavy at the same time, and I am not surprised that I love it as much as I do. As usual, Unto Others does not disappoint and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
Get their new album and merch here: https://www.lonefirrecords.com/products
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