Photo by Mehdi Bagarzadeh

Embroiled in anguish, UNIFY SEPARATE have provided their “sanity clause” as they confront an existential crisis that is more than about midlife on the ‘Heavy Meta’ EP.

Having already released two acclaimed albums ‘First Contact’ and ‘Music Since Tomorrow’, ‘Heavy Meta’ builds on the duo’s majestic sense of drama with a deeper and harder sound that swings between self-loathing and self-affirmation, revenge and compassion, and love and regret

Comprising of Andrew Montgomery and Leo Josefsson, their respective heritage of Scottish indie via GENEVA and Swedish synth in the form of LOWE has been the core of their unique stylistic chemistry. Within a deep swoop of influences including MODERAT, DEPECHE MODE, ULTRAVOX, BRONSKI BEAT and RADIOHEAD, ‘Heavy Meta’ blends raw emotive vocals with distorted synths and dynamic machine rhythms.

In their third interview with ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK, UNIFY SEPARATE spoke about the situations that led to this ‘Heavy Meta’…

The title ‘Heavy Meta’ sums up the sound and lyrical themes of this latest EP, what had inspired it?

Leo: I can only speak to what inspired the soundscape and production techniques, but it’s a continuation of the path we’ve been on for a while—just with a darker and deeper outcome. I’ve kept pushing myself to improve every aspect, from music production to sound creation and arrangement. In the past, I felt a bit restricted by trying not to sound like any of my musical house gods, but I’ve let go of that anxiety and allowed it all to flow freely.

Andrew: Lyrically it refers to big personal changes that periodically go on inside of us, sometimes due to external influences or characters, sometimes of our own volition.

Bands often go through an existential crisis, was this happening to you? Has trying to play the Spotify algorithm and maintaining a social media presence detracted from the creation of music as opposed to “content”?

Leo: The challenge of streaming and media presence is definitely something we struggle with—and honestly, we’re not very good at it. We’re not salesmen, except when we’re on stage—then we’re the best salesmen there are. Life is a difficult period. And the current music landscape doesn’t make it any easier.

Andrew: The radical democracy of the early digital era has given way to a stifling level of commercial music industry control that’s not so far removed from the murky era of Morris Levy. But there are enough incredible supporters out there online (the good side of digitalisation) that it keeps you going.

Had playing live more influenced your approach to song dynamics at all?

Leo: It definitely has—especially when we plan our setlists. At times, we’ve felt the need for more uptempo songs to help make the live show more dynamic and driving. It’s a tricky balance, though—building the energy while still leaving the audience wanting more.

Technology can often be a spark to sound, so have there been any new toys to play with at UNIFY SEPARATE HQ?

Leo: Indeed! 🙂 I’m a big fan of analog outboard gear, and I’ve also stepped into the world of modular synthesizers. That’s definitely opened up new tools and ways of creating sounds and rhythmic elements that just wouldn’t have been possible before.

There appears to be fewer guitar derived textures this time round than before, was that a conscious decision?

Leo: Yes, very much so. We’re both more influenced by electronic music than before—Andrew especially. It’s partly my fault that we leaned more toward an ‘indie pop’-influenced direction on our latest album, ‘Music Since Tomorrow’, where we also had the great honor of having Richard Oakes from SUEDE (!) play on two songs. This time around, I felt the need to dive back into the synthetic and electronic world again.

Andrew: Featuring guitar limits what you can do in the live setting where you’re a duo of machines and vocals. Best to play to your existing strengths but find new ways to use them.

You opted for an EP rather than an album for ‘Heavy Meta’, were there creative and practical reasons for this?

Leo: We both felt the need to shorten the timespan between releases, and I have a tendency to spend too much time on the productions. We figured the EP format could be a good way to avoid getting stuck—and it turned out to be just that. It’s helped us keep moving forward instead of dwelling on our music for too long. Right now, we’re working on a new EP called ‘The God Particle’ (you read it here first!), which is taking us on a somewhat different journey—and it feels really exciting.

“Don’t believe everything you think!” you exclaim on ‘DETOX’, it’s a strange world out there now and you’re both old enough to remember when things had been a bit nicer… how are you coping?

Andrew: The lyrics you quote have both personal and macro perspectives. There’s a lot to be mad about out there, but even in the case that we generally agree with something or someone, we shouldn’t always accept all the things that we’re told, though that is especially so from certain quarters. If we keep that in mind as well as the desire to try and be as good as we can to others, and also be kind to ourselves, that can help us through this difficult era. Hope you’re all coping okay x

What prompted the united front to you both providing vocals on ‘DETOX’ and ‘Return To Exile’?

Leo: I see the human voice purely as an instrument, and on those songs, it felt natural to bring in my darker vocal tone to complement Andrew’s amazing choral qualities. I think it turned out pretty well.

Andrew, as a Scot in Sweden, was ‘Return To Exile’ intended as something more personal to you?

Andrew: Actually, the song was one of Leo’s ideas, including the theme.  I’m a happily-settled “new Swede” who is nonetheless proud of his Scottish roots.

‘Dark Heaven’ is a good title, what was the idea behind the song and what light can you identify despite all this darkness?

Andrew: Thank you. It’s about pushing your personal boundaries and finding joy in the senses. The light is always, always the love we have for one another.

How did you get ‘Gaslighted’?

Andrew: (Lies down on psychiatrist’s sofa) – By someone who tried to de-legitimise my feelings over being hurt in an egregious way. All is now forgiven if not forgotten.

So who has been making ‘Excuse Excuses’?

Andrew: See immediately above.

You’re playing Amphi 2025 in Cologne this summer, how do you think the ‘Heavy Meta’ songs will go down live?

Leo: We’ve already included ‘DETOX’, ‘Gaslighted’, and ‘Dark Heaven’ in our live setlist, and they’ve gone over really well—the response has been amazing. We’re hoping for, and expecting, nothing less at Amphi.

What is next?

Andrew: Hopefully a lot more music – both recorded and live.

ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK gives its warmest thanks to UNIFY SEPARATE

‘Heavy Meta’ is released as a digital EP available direct from https://unifyseparate.bandcamp.com/

https://www.unifyseparate.com/

https://www.facebook.com/usmusicspace

http://www.instagram.com/unify_separate

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0h9f9Dz3aVBP41aEF3GDON

Text and Interview by Chi Ming Lai
9th May 2025