Naomi Suzuki and Philipp M. Moll are AJ Unity, a duo based around being able to “freely express important parts of being human such as finding inner strength and kindness towards other people”. If that isn’t enough to entice you, then throw into the mix their influences of Massive Attack and Faithless and you begin to realise they are not your everyday middle of the road group. Soothing vocals harmonies overlaying atmospheric electronic beats work to fantastic effect, creating a brilliant sense of ambience.
Suzuki’s vocals are easily comparable to those of Icelandic superstar Bjork, carefully constructed and expertly delivered wavering with an optimistic and angelic quality. The Massive Attack influences are many and well carried, mainly in the soaring melodies, which float effortlessly alongside Suzuki’s vocals. On second track Morning she is accompanied by Moll’s spoken word phrases, which are almost to identical to the platonic and recognisable lyrics of Faithless. In a short interview I read with the guys, they described Everyday Memories as the track they would ideally play at the moon based launch of the album! The production throughout is slick and professional, nothing ground breaking, but nonetheless a pleasant experience.
My favourite and most memorable track from the album is the epic, emotional Jupiter, a thrilling remix of the classic choir track Jerusalem. Providing an entirely fresh and new approach to the song, which I had never heard before, it certainly caught me slightly off guard. Coming in at just over forty minutes, the album is the perfect length, and has enough scope to interest anyone, regardless of your previous musical upbringing and backgrounds. Album closer Adagio is a piano led ballad, which ties together the numerous laces of sounds which weave so ravishingly throughout the record. Over exuberant and wonderfully resplendent, allow this mellow, atmospheric album to charm you into it’s magical lair, and you will reap the rewards.