Unison "Unison" 1976(?)****

This time there's no long intro, just because there isn't much to tell about this unknown band. All we know is that they came from the greater New York area and that, according to the CD notes, this album was originally released in 1976 - which is probably false, as guitarist Guy Van Iderstine commented in a blog that the album actually came from 1984. It sure doesn't sound like it, though. No 80's production techniques were used - thankfully I might add. It has a completely organic classic rock sound reminiscent of the early to mid-70's, especially notable for its scorching guitar solos. At times it reminds me of The Allman Brothers but most songs are quite short (only one exceeds the 5-minute limit). Opener "Borderline" is a driving rocker while "Flesh And Blood" showcases the band's heavier side. "Blow Me Away" and "Running Out" are blues rock with nice harmonica. "Cookin' For You" employs lots of phase guitar effects and a vocal that sounds like a cross between Frank Zappa and Ray Manzarek - and you know there's a good reason Manzarek wasn't the lead singer of The Doors. "Second Chance" is another psychedelic song whose slow and hazy style also reminds me of The Doors - but this time in a good way. "Again" is a beautiful ballad with nice vocals and electric/acoustic guitar interplay. Closer "So Many Miles" is the longest track (at 7'33'') a slow psychedelic ballad getting faster and heavier as it approaches its end. The songs are all written in the second person, addressed to a woman who hurt the writter's feelings, and trace the disentegration and aftermath of their relationship. Not the most exciting or original subject matter I've seen, yet the album is a small gem. It was an amateur, self-released, effort but in the end it gained a (well deserved) fame among collectors of obscure early hard rock and the few original copies now fetch 100's of $. Thank God then for digital piracy: my bootleg CD version seems to be a good transfer from a very clear vinyl copy, and is well worth getting if you can't get your hands on the original or the new and very limited (of unknown legality) vinyl reissue.

**** for Borderline, Again, Second Chance, So Many Miles

*** for Blow Me Away, Flesh And Blood, Cookin’ For You, Running Out