Super Unison – Stella

And the record is quite stellar

There was a certain energy that came with both the riot grrrl and hardcore movements of the ’90s. They were raw, fierce, emotive and communicative of particular messages in styles that haven’t quite been replicated with the same power over the years. In 2015, Oakland’s Super Unison hit the scene harboring talent from the emo and hardcore likes of Cassilis, Punch, Snowing and Street Smart Cyclist, their debut record Auto encompassing the passion of all these groups combined. Super Unison’s latest and sophomore release Stella elevates all of that vigor packed within their debut. They take the ferocity and passion of riot grrrl sounds and couple it with hardcore’s oomph and momentum, making for a successful contemporary stab at thoughtful aggression.

“Unconditional” is the bait reeling the listener in; singer Meghan O’Neil tosses around harsh screams and tuneful melodies, though lyrically the track deals with love lost. The entire album addresses fairly glum themes, but with a recording team touting the likes of Steve Albini, Jack Shirley (heavily known for his mastering work with Deafheaven and Oathbreaker) and Ink & Dagger’s Don Devore, Stella’s sound isn’t necessarily bogged down by the heavy subject matter. There’s the all-out punk presence on songs like “Comfort” that is tempered by slightly shoegazey tones, taken even further on “Parts Unknown” and “Falcon,” that sound ripe for the modern screamo age.

Super Unison manages to regulate the sonic commotion on Stella, balancing precisely executed guitar riffs with walloping drum beats. There’s not one moment on the record that lacks or disappoints, as every second is packed with a primitive-like liveliness that commands attention and engagement. Each element, be it vocal or instrumental, is given its opportunity to shine, making for a record that sounds massive in scale without being overbearingly forceful. Good on Super Unison for crafting a record that bears on older stylings in a new way refreshingly. They’ve made a statement with Stella, and they can only go higher from here.