REVIEW: unpeople - we are unpeople
Download, 2025. The festival debut of a new, fairly unknown band that had only formed two years prior.
Download, 2026? After an insane year, UNPEOPLE had graduated to the Apex mainstage, and opened the day for headliner, LINKIN PARK. It was one of the most electric performances across the weekend - who else can get moshpits going at 11am on a Sunday? Now they are finally here to launch their first album, we are unpeople. After releasing their introductory single, smother, back in 2023, it is apparent that they took time to perfect what was to come. Being teased with five other singles and an EP, including explosive tracks the garden and waste, it became clearer that they were going to be a band to watch out for. This is an album that is unpredictable in nature, and is full of fantastic harmonies, controlling bass lines, and effortless genre mashups. The alternative rock band have created an album that fully showcases who they are; we are unpeople.
Opening track, clouds, starts off in a very calm, unassuming manner. 17 seconds later it transforms into something aggressive with an all consuming combative sound. With Richard Rayner seemingly determined to destroy the drumkit, the powerful guitars of Jake Crawford and Luke Caley are further amplified by Emily ‘Em’ Lodge’s thunderous bass. It soon returns back to the opening sound, but with much grittier and heavier undertones. The raw vocals from Crawford mixed with the softer performance of Em Lodge creates a unique combination; one that will consistently delight throughout the rest of the album.
This loud, vibrant sound continues into friends, but is much more guttural. The insane breakdown in the middle of the song shows off Crawfords impressive vocal control. If clouds were the album's introduction, friends is certainly the beginning of something special. Comparatively, the garden is heavily bass driven. Being their breakout song, it is a fantastic preface to the band and is a great gateway song to this style of music. An anthem full of surprises and harmonies, it is one you cannot help but headbang to.
The introduction of swallow is very britpop inspired, with the bouncy, mischievous undertones enhancing the lyrical narrative. Opening the track with the statement ‘‘if you’ve got nothing nice to say, then don’t say a word” determines the tone and running themes throughout the album. Following this is arguably one of the catchiest songs across the record. bottle it brings a nostalgic, 2000s pop punk vibe, and is one to easily sing along to. Reminiscent to the likes of DINOSAUR PILEUP, this is a transformative moment of reflection and discovery; “how long can you keep on kidding yourself?”.
The powerballad of blueprints is a great respite after the insane energy of the previous tracks. Whilst it is not the heaviest song instrumentally,, it definitely is emotionally. Being about self-destructive behaviours and wanting the best for someone, it is the perfect, subdued ending to Side A, and will definitely be one to get lighters in the air. Flipping the album gives the return of the mischievous vibe. haunted brings back the aggressive, pop punk undertones, with a prominent bassline, which leads perfectly into the next track.
waste is incredibly punchy, with militarian chants and a controlling drum. Being about missing opportunities and shooting yourself in the foot, it helps to give the album a very grounded and self aware narrative, whilst not holding back instrumentally. look up brings a bouncier feel with the opening guitar. Retaining the 00s undertones, there is a growing apprehension which builds up into a guttural scream, and has what can only be referred to as a ‘circle pit moment’.
Speaking of, kangareuben is the pit song of the album. It is high energy, in your face, and has a grungy and cathartic breakdown. A fantastic set closer before an encore, this is one to get the crowds moving and chanting. The intensity will fill the room and every single person in it will be moving. As the song slows to the end with a powerful bassline, it will get everyone headbanging. smother is a little more relaxed than its predecessor, but don't let that fool you. Whilst it is not as extreme instrumentally, the lyrics are much more prominent, and act as the articulation of emotion. Lines such as “I’m just feeling the pressure” combined with an aggressive drum create quite an intense song. With a lot of layered voices and audience interactive opportunities, it leads gracefully into the final track. Sounding very much like a finale, as you were is the perfect song to round out the album. Full of clapping, marching drums, delicate voices, and impressive harmonies, this has a very uplifting, almost patriotic sound. It is telling you to return back to your life and keep going, be as you were.
The track listing of this album was very well thought out; it is one that can be performed from start to finish, in order, and maintains the perfect feel and rhythm. With themes of navigating life, relationships and how that can impact the self, each track pulls different focuses. Whether that be bass, drums, guitars, or vocals, every aspect feels like it belongs. Being a wonderful, eccentric mash of genres with succinct variation, this truly is a work of art; a no skip album. It is apparent that UNPEOPLE are aiming to unite people, with appeals to those with varying music genre backgrounds, and themes that many people can relate to. Afterall, together we are unpeople.
Score: 9/10
we are unpeople will be released on 9th October 2026 by SharpTone Records.
Words: Beth Goulter Photos: Richard Mukuze
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