Unarmed – It’s Like That (2023)
Bringing together their natural musical abilities, Portland-based foursome Unarmed finds the line between obscurity and ferocity with their powerful charisma. Formed merely a year ago, Unarmed is a collaboration of current and previous members of It Prevails, American Me and Scars of Tomorrow. Exploring the bold post-hardcore sounds of It Prevails and putting a unique spin on it, Unarmed has formed a sound that is completely Unarmed. While I know and love It Prevails, Unarmed is a new discovery for The Other Side Reviews but they are already turning heads with coverage from Lost In The Manor, Rebel Noise, Rock N Loud Magazine, Clout, New Noise Magazine, Vents Magazine, and many more. The latest addition to their discography is the EP It’s Like That.
Following their 2022 singles ‘Home’ and ‘The Perfect Summer’, It’s Like That is a four-track release filled with aggression ensnaring your senses with its chaotic headiness. Interestingly enough, while the tracks presume a melancholic theme, they are nothing more than empowering and optimistic. In an interview with Lost In The Manor, Unarmed shared that the songs were a type of autobiographical journey in the life of frontman Ian Fike. From the opening ‘Home’ touching on adolescence and how they had “the feeling of living their lives without fear…” to ‘It’s Like That’ touching on young love and “not knowing what to do with it…somehow ending up on the right side for at least a moment or two”, Unarmed exposes the beauty of human experiences.
What I find intriguing about It’s Like That is how each track is similar but simultaneously has a difference. Just as the tracks explore various areas of an individual’s life, the melodies seemingly align with the thought-provoking lyrics to enhance their significance. Bold guitars merge with pounding drums tearing into your heart and then lifting you up on a sonic cloud. Add Fike’s rough vocals and we not only hear but feel the grittiness of this intensely intimate music.
It is difficult to choose my favourite track on It’s Like That, but I believe ‘You Said’ might hold the top stop for me. Written as a tribute to Ian’s step-mom, it is a song about strength, resilience and learning from your mistakes. Then again, ‘The Perfect Summer’ is fantastic with the heavy pop-punk meets emo-rock vibe. I don’t know, like I said it is difficult for me to choose a favourite track.
Overall, what do I think of It’s Like That? An inspiring, moving, elegant piece of music. Sophisticated and mature but with a raw innocence Unarmed connects with listeners of any age.
For more from Unarmed, check out their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
