With their first new album in almost a decade on the way, Unitopia’s 2008 release The Garden has been expanded from a double LP into a triple. Their second album, and their first for InsideOut, it boosted their profile and shone a light on Australian prog. Although the scene now favours bands at the drop-tuned end of the spectrum, Unitopia feel like a bridge between what their countrymen Sky were doing in the 70s and neo-prog.
The first two discs in this new set contain a remastered version of the original album, while the third features a collection of live performances and one new song. Unitopia dip their toes into a variety of styles when the mood is upon them, but the album is dominated by melodic prog with a symphonic lilt and an emphasis on songs rather than complexity as an end unto itself. They’re not afraid to show off their depth of knowledge, with the title track name-checking 15th century Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch and his famous triptych The Garden Of Earthly Delights. The midsection throws in Spanish guitar and flute, a featured piano solo, and some smooth jazz saxophone that would do Kenny G proud. These stylistic diversions are undeniably engaging, but founding duo and mainmen Mark Trueack and Sean Timms never allow them to extend to a full track and the band is quick to revert to their middle-of-the-road instincts.