The Kingdom: Unitas EP (Arena Rock)

First, let me say that Unitas is one of the strangest pieces of work this reviewer has heard in a long while. That said, this review will attempt a description that makes at least some logical sense. The Kingdom’s debut is a 12-minute concept EP about former Baltimore Colts quarterback, Johnny Unitas. Except this Unitas plays on a flesh field in the cosmos, hurling the sun through the sky onto train horses with wings of doves. Lost yet? The EP consists of four songs, none longer than 3 minutes, separated by bizarre, robotic “football” commentary. Its lyrics are best described as loosely themed images. Consider the first proper line from “I Am Constellation,” after the female vocalist introduces the song by title: “When arms turn into birds your distance is ribbons.” Add to this bird parachutes, shaved kneecaps, razorblade arms, and horse blood-covered lovers. As for the sound of it all, there is no way to consciously separate the music from the madness. Unitas is utterly and completely engaging pop with multi-layered vocal harmonies and male-female falsetto duets that somehow recall both the ’60s and some unknown time in the far distant future. Unitas is extra-terrestrial pop for an alternate universe. Unnecessarily complex, utterly bewildering, and perfectly brilliant. (www.diealloverme.com)

8 Blips out of 10 By Frank Valish