Gunship Proclaim That Imagination Is A Weapon On Unicorn

By Phil Hawkins

Gunship is Dan Haigh, Alex Westaway, and Alex Gingell and was formed in 2014 as a new musical venture for Westaway and Haigh. The band’s sound is created with vintage analogue synthesizers and other retro electronic gear from the 1980s. Driven and inspired by nostalgia for a bygone era, Gunship harnesses this retro approach to birth something fresh and new. Their sound is sonically diverse — blending sweeping fluorescent synth lines with fever pitched and adrenalizing electric bass arpeggios. With the release of Unicorn, the trio’s trademark, synth-laden atmosphere and transportative soundscapes have continued to evolve to include more rock, industrial, and EDM influences.

Additionally, Unicorn boasts a diverse array of special guests, who each bring something different to the project. Collaborators include John Carpenter, Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Carpenter Brut, Timmy Cappello (Lost Boys, Tina Turner, Ringo Starr), Health, Tyler Bates (John Wick, Guardians of the Galaxy etc), Lights, Power Glove, Charlie Simpson, Britta Philips (Jem), and Milkie Way (Wargasm). Given the diversity of these features it add layers upon layers of depth and creativity across the expanse of the album as a whole.

From the very beginning of “Monster In Paradise” there is a solid ethereal sense that is ever present on the track. It is this very sense that becomes the underlying backbone of the entire album. As the album progresses it possesses all the standard synthwave/synthpop elements. However, there is this brooding darkness that is intertwined in the very core of the album’s composition.

As the album progresses there are several additional elements that take center stage as, whether it be the EDM influences of “Blood For The Blood God” or the more industrial sounds found on “Doom Dance” & “Weaponised Love.” Even with these supportive elements the synth-laden atmosphere keeps the album in almost transcendent state of being.

With the album’s overall lengthy runtime it easy to become fully immersed within each soundscape with tracks like, “Run Like Hell,” “Nuclear Date Night” and “Taste Like Venom” all being prime examples of Gunship’s ability to intricately craft each track’s unique atmosphere that that is also complimentary to each and every additional track on the album. It is lush and comprehensive and the jazzy saxophone solos add a nice flair each time they are included.

In summation, Unicorn feels like a classic 80s movie montage number that sets the stage for an upcoming battle (think light 80s “horror” like The Lost Boys). Each track is intricately crafted and placed to keep the album moving in a forward progression without becoming stale or boring. It’s a wild ride full of surprises.

Unicorn is out now as an independent release and is available on all major streaming and digital platforms. In addition you can purchase physical copies via the Gunship webstore.

Gunship currently does not have any dates listed, but keep an eye on their webpage and/or social media for updates as they are announced.