Unicorn

No strangers to retrofuturism (previous albums contain odes to drone racing and the protagonists of Ready Player One), synthwave trio Gunship nevertheless remain that rarest of beasts: they stand firmly astride the future and past, using both as strong bases upon which to build their own sound. History isn’t the only divide that they bridge. They also effortlessly move between the sunnier climes of synthwave and the shadowy urban environs of darksynth. Their third album boasts a plethora of guest musicians from all of the above, ranging from Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and Lost Boys saxophone man Tim Cappello to alt rock himbo Gavin Rossdale (Bush) to composer Tyler Bates, alongside their own peers like Carpenter Brut, Health, and Power Glove. None go to waste — especially Cappello, whose shockingly soulful sax solos bring a real human touch to the primarily electronic proceedings. Most importantly, killer singles abound. “Monster in Paradise,” “Empress of the Damned,” and “Weaponized Love” all come suitably armed against the darkness.