United Progressive Fraternity

Members of defunct Australian band Unitopia have regrouped in new outfit United Progressive Fraternity – and they’ve released debut video The Water, featuring former Yes frontman Jon Anderson. View it below. The lineup includes ex-Unitopia men Mark Trueack, Matt Williams, Dave Hopgood and Tim Irrgang, with Guy Manning, Steven Gee and Ian Ritchie. Their debut album, 'Fall In Love With The World', features appearances by Steve Hackett and Steve Unrah. Vocalist Trueack says: “My original concept was to make this a universal project, allowing not only the members to come and go as they please, but also inviting the listener to share ideas on what they would like to hear – in other words, making UPF the people’s group. “There are bands all over the world who like to express concerns over social injustice and the environment we live in. How can a project like this be any different? “If people are willing to share their inner thoughts and have enough courage to accept different ideas and expand on them, we can make a difference. Conflict appears more and more inevitable, and our environment harder to live in as climate change takes its toll. If projects like ours can make a difference, we will have a better world.” United Progressive Fraternity are planning a tour of the UK and Europe in the autumn. They’ll also appear at this year’s Summer’s End Festival, where they will officially launch the album - due for release around the middle of October. http://www.unitedprogressivefraternity.com/ "Although, well known Australian Progressive Rock group Unitopia have decided to call it a day, the musical spirit still lives on in the newly formed United Progressive Fraternity. A phoenix from the ashes, UPF are a tour de force with ex-Unitopia members Matt Williams on guitar, Dave Hopgood on drums, Tim Irrgang on percussion and the ever magical voice of Mark ‘Truey’ Trueack, whose vision this juggernaut is. Added to this, Mark has managed to corral some progressive rock heavyweight ‘kindred spirits’ in the form of keyboard player, guitarist, vocalist and song-writer, friend Guy Manning (Manning, The Tangent), bass guitarist, Steven Gee (Landmarq) and on the first UPF album and also on their up and coming tour of the UK and Europe later in the year, wind player Ian Ritchie (renowned for his work with Roger Waters). On 31 March, UPF will be formally announcing their existence with the video release of ‘The Water’, from the debut album ‘Fall in Love with the World’ (due for release in October 2014) and which includes a collaboration with ex- Yes front man Jon Anderson and input from former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett. Steve Unrah will also appear as a special guest on the album, playing the violin and flute. The context of the songs is largely unchanged from the Unitopia days; thought provoking and meaningful lyrics with an emphasis on the human condition, the state of the environment and how we as the human race arrived at where we are today. All sung with feeling and passion – a hallmark of all that is best in progressive music, but the music itself has taken on an edgier, grittier sound than that of Unitopia, which makes it quite breath-taking! ‘Water’ opens and ends with the sound of thunder and rain which leads into exquisitely middle- eastern flavours interspersing with a punchy orchestral chorus and featuring the unmistakable dulcet tones of Jon Anderson. The song progresses into a dramatic sequence with some heavy guitar riffs supplied by Matt. The production is flawless, Mark’s voice is as impressive as ever, and the talent that these musicians combined possess is clearly apparent. ‘Water’ is a reminder of how we can take this precious fluid for granted; how it is getting harder to get (especially in Australia, where droughts are more frequent and prolonged with bushfires more violent and deadly with each passing summer) and yet, we still treat it with thoughtlessness instead of conservation. “The Water’ brings the message home loud and strong! The band will be touring the UK and Europe in the autumn and have already secured a place at the prestigious Summers End Festival as the Special Guest slot on Saturday night." Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.