Unicorns' Alden Penner and Jamie Thompson Reunite as the Hidden Words

BY Vish KhannaPublished Jul 15, 2010

Ever since underground art rockers the Unicorns called it a day in 2004, fans have been clamouring for the Montreal band to reunite. While members Nick Thorburn and Jamie Thompson continued working together in numerous projects, most consistently in Islands, co-founder Alden Penner has kept a lower profile. Before 2009's stellar self-titled debut by his new Montreal band Clues, Penner had seemingly vanished from major public performances, leaving Unicorns loyalists to wonder about his whereabouts. Now comes word that Penner and Thompson have formed a new band called the Hidden Words for a unique, and possibly one-of-a-kind, performance in Montreal this week.

According to a press release, Hidden Words - the name of the group and evening - play music inspired by great spiritual writing, namely "The Hidden Words" of Bahá'u'lláh, a late 19th century mystical text summarizing the inner truths common to all religions. The release goes on to say that while the medium here is musical, "it is hoped that this can evolve and comprise exploration in film, words and all arts, as these are means of approaching the intangible and mysterious which is impossible in other discourses."

Beyond the first show that Penner and Thompson will play together in six years (and the promise of special guests), the gig also features Los Angeles-based improv artist/Paper Heart director Charlyne Yi and Montreal noise artist Nimalan Yoganathan.

The Hidden Words takes place at the Montreal Bahai Center (177 Avenue des Pins est) on Friday (July 16) at 9:00 p.m.

Latest Coverage