Black Unicorn - Rediscovering Infinity

The Great Pop Supplement offshoot Deep Distance returns with two new limited LPs this week from Kohn and the one I’m listening to now from Black Unicorn. These are ultra limited releases in generic (though identifiable by sleeve colour) embossed Deep Distance sleeves. They look bloody lovely mate.

Black Unicorn is the solo guise used by Akron, Ohio’s (home of DEVO) Curt Brown (Cane Swords, Rubber City Noise) for his more abstract, kosmische synth stuff. I’m not familiar with Brown’s other outings but this is instantly pleasing business to my synth-attuned ears.
This debut wax outing is formed by three previously released tracks (on tiny tape and CD-r runs) plus two new pieces, one of which is epic in scale and is divided into five parts, all with titles of their own - like what Yes would do. For the most part we’re dealing in ambient drone and kosmische style synth work with an emphasis on texture and synthesiser expression as a form of language. The idea being that these pieces invoke an actual story. I’m not going to assess how successful Brown is at achieving this as the concept is way too abstract to evaluate fairly. What I will say is that this is a fascinating synth record with some beautiful melodies often making their way out of the fudge of reverb-drenched drum programming and abstract drones.

In parts it’s straight up synth worship/sci-fi soundtrack territory but occasionally, as on the title track ‘Rediscovering Infinity’, we’re treated to a more complex outing reminiscent of ‘Vision Swim’-era Growing. There’s also a nice mix-up of sounds throughout to keep you entertained and the plethora of synths both analogue or otherwise involved (helpfully credited on each song) make for great tonal variety.

Have to leave it at that as it’s home time. Excellent record. The Kohn LP is rad too so check it out.