Unicorns, The: The Brief, Brilliant Flame of Canadian Indie Rock

The Unicorns were a short-lived but influential indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Their sole studio album, 2003's Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?, became a cult classic, defining a quirky, lo-fi aesthetic for a generation of independent musicians.

Early career

The band formed in 2000 around the core duo of Nick "Neil" Diamond and Alden Penner, later joined by drummer Jamie Thompson. Hailing from Montreal's vibrant music scene, they self-released their debut EP, The Unicorns: 2014, in 2003, showcasing their off-kilter songwriting and home-recorded charm.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived later in 2003 with the release of their only full-length album. Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? was initially released on the tiny Alien8 Recordings label before gaining wider distribution through Tomlab and Rough Trade. The album did not achieve mainstream chart success but sold steadily, eventually reaching gold certification in Canada for over 40,000 copies sold, a significant feat for an independent release.

Key tracks

I Was Born (A Unicorn) — This defiant, catchy opener immediately establishes the band's unique mythology and melodic prowess.

Tuff Ghost — A fan favorite and live staple, its driving rhythm and infectious "ooh-ooh" hook encapsulate the album's playful energy.

Jellybones — The song's melancholic yet whimsical tone and memorable synth line became a signature of the band's sound.

Sea Ghost — This track highlights the band's ability to weave complex, shifting structures into a cohesive and anthemic song.

The cult success of their album led to extensive touring, including dates with high-profile acts like Arcade Fire. However, internal tensions proved insurmountable, and The Unicorns announced their dissolution in late 2004 after only a few years of activity. Their legacy was instantly cemented, with their album continuously rediscovered by new listeners.

Following the split, members pursued notable projects. Alden Penner and Jamie Thompson formed the experimental pop group Clues, while Nick Diamond created the hip-hop-infused project Islands, whose debut album, Return to the Sea, continued the Unicorns' eclectic spirit. A brief, surprise reunion occurred in 2014 for a series of festival appearances celebrating the anniversary of their seminal album.

Fans of The Unicorns' brand of quirky, melodic, and lo-fi indie rock should also explore Arcade Fire for their anthemic and orchestral take on Montreal's indie scene. The playful experimentation can be heard in of Montreal and their psychedelic pop catalog. The raw, home-recorded aesthetic finds a parallel in early work by Neutral Milk Hotel. For a more recent connection, check out the eclectic pop of Animal Collective.

The music of The Unicorns maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on specialty shows and independent music radio stations dedicated to alternative rock and indie classics. Their songs are regularly featured in rotations that celebrate influential early-2000s indie rock, ensuring their sound continues to reach eager ears.

You can hear the iconic indie rock of The Unicorns on various radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover where this seminal Canadian band is currently in rotation.