Record Label: Western Songs
Release Date: 26.07.2010
If the name sounds familiar, then you may want to cast your mind back to the 2006 series of the X Factor. The Unconventionals (albeit with a slightly different line up), made it all the way to the top twelve, before being booted off in week one. Four years later they are back with their debut album “Flower to the People”.
A little reticent when first asked to review this album, I can honestly admit that after my second listen, it’s definitely a grower. Two listens are definitely required to get your head round the 60/70’ throwback feel, something which is actually quite refreshing in a world where the charts seem to be constantly bombarded with yet another R & B sensation.
The group describe themselves as “kitsch, harmony and fun!”, and “Flower to the People” is certainly this. With a collection of songs as sunny and bright as the album cover, I challenge you not to find yourself bopping along to this album.
The Carpenters, Mama Cass, and The Mamas and Papas are listed as the influences and it is easy to see this in tracks such as “Everything’s Easy”, and the Mamas and Papas classic “Dedicated to the One I Love”. “Strawberry Sunshine” has the feel of The Fifths Dimensions “Aquarius”, about it, and is definitely one of the highlights of the album.
The only track that seems slightly out of place is the cover of The Sugababes “Push the Button”. Although the group faultless harmonies abound, for me it just doesn’t sit well with the other chosen tracks on the album.
Andrew, Kelly, Drew, Laura, Mel and Tom want to bring “Sunshine pop back into vogue”, but I’m not sure today’s younger generations are ready for this. One thing is for certain, this is definitely a marmite album. You’ll either love it or hate it, but there is no middle ground!
Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewer: Kim Harrell
The Kaje 