Here’s my obligatory statement about how neo-retro bands and albums are getting old. Now throw that notion out the nearest window. Future Unlimited will no doubt be compared to the endless amount of ’80s-style pop bands in recent years, but there are few things about this duo that aren’t completely new and refreshing. From the crazy rhythmic choruses to the stellar production, Future Unlimited are nothing short of spectacular on their debut EP.
The way duo David Miller and Samuel D’Amelio came together is through a strange housing twist last year, and since then they have been working on this debut, drawn together by their admiration of British electro pop and everything else analog. The band’s inspirations are immediately obvious, as Future Unlimited sounds like a mix between The Human League and Yaz, but as I previously noted, Future Unlimited have set themselves apart from being an homage type of band. As Miller’s vocals come crawling into the scene on “When it Calls,” proclaiming “I can see it on the horizon / but it feels so strange,” there’s an obvious third wall being broken down. Both Miller and D’Amelio seem aware of their quick rise to popularity, it’s almost as if they both saw this coming. And maybe they did, but even more immediate than their lyrical awareness is their songwriting proficiency, as Future Unlimited display a keen sense of pop perfection.
Their songs are bright and full of charm, no small feat considering their range of tone on Future Unlimited. The EP’s opening track, “When it Calls,” is a massive new wave-style jam that travels generations simply through the track’s echoing vocal filter – a lucid and beautiful trick that sets the stage for the rest of the album. Equal to “When It Calls”’ synth-pop aesthetic is “Golden,” another classically trained, rhythmically perfected number. The album’s most breathtaking moment — and Future Unlimited is full of them – is during the bridge between the last verse and the final chorus. As most of the music falls out, a simple key press and a rumbling bass tease the listener of what’s to come. Layers of synths begin to pile on top of each other, and as Miller’s voice screams “You think you’re golden now” the track’s crescendo is a huge and inspiring moment; a sound that will undoubtedly cause smiles and blissful dance moves for each listener. “Golden” is exactly what every dance rock band aspires to achieve, but most usually fail in their attempt due to trying too hard; Future Unlimited’s artful restraint makes the payoff that much more rewarding. It’s as sexy as music can be, and as fun as it should be, the latter usually being lost to crass pretentiousness.
Where the band goes from here, I don’t know. But one thing is for sure, Future Unlimited is about as impressive as any debut I’ve ever heard. It’s a powerful and industrious record that I haven’t been able to put down for months, and in the internet age, that should speak louder than anything else I’ve said.
