::The Unicorns - Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?::

Spontaneity in music is a volatile thing. On one hand, it can be endearing, make you feel as though the song is being meticulously crafted around you, and can leave a sense of urgency and energy that will not be found in carefully orchestrated performances. On the other hand, in spontaneity can leave a sloppy, misguided, and pointless feeling to songs. Typically, Phish (and their ilk’s) songs fit into the latter category.

Montreal’s the Unicorns, on their first album Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone?, have, from out of nowhere, successfully found a balance between this live, spontaneous energy and pop craftsmanship and songwriting. “Les Os” perfectly embodies this flexibility. The song, while undeniably pop, takes a strange route from beginning to end that seems fragile and combustible at any point, but when looked at deeper, proves to be incredibly intricate while thoughtfully messy. Add to that some surreal lyrics (“I want to die today/and make love with you in the grave”) and a melody borrowed from 70’s power-poppers Big Star or the Beach Boys and you’ll get the idea.

The one thing that makes the Unicorns’ record so great is its repeat value. WWCOHWWG is incredibly accessible pop music that, dependant on how closely you listen, has layer upon layer to unravel.