Search - Unit :: Narcoleptic Symphony

It holds its own even compared to Aphex Twin....

J. Michael Showalter | Nashville, TN United States | 10/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aphex Twin is obviously the right person to compare Unit to on this album. He uses a similar ambient soundscape overlayed with minimalist beats and noise. Other reviewers, though, in saying that all he is is a less interesting version of his mentor might be selling him a wee bit short; whereas Aphex hasn't released as much in the past few years, Unit steps in and fills a void. I don't want this review to become a step-by-step comparison of the two artists: anyone who wants to do that might as well buy them and do the paint-by-numbers work yourselves. Unit on this disc is as interesting as any artist since Boards of Canada; people should really give this label a lot more credit than it typically gets (the DJ Spooky vs. Freight Elevator Quartet disc is undenyably brilliant, and the Datach'i newer release is awfully good too....) and pick up the stuff and listen to it for its own value.... and stop just comparing it. It'd be like missing the Stones out of homage to the Beatles.Unit is lively on tracks, haunting on tracks, and the opening to this disc.... in showing how tape noise can become high-art.... even on the soundbite provided here.... gives an indication of how good this disc could be....I say buy it! It's only like fifteen bucks..."

Highly recommend

J. Michael Showalter | 10/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this album comes from the label that brought you the film 'modulations'. their cd releases are just as great as their films. unit is definitely one to watch and is one of the best caipirinha music releases yet!"