Released on:
Unity – Unity (North / South Remixes)
Also known as:
Unity (Future Sound of London 12″ Remix)
Runtime: 4:22
FSOL’s first Virgin Records production, after being tracked down by A&R man and UCR manager Rob Manley. A US house track from the previous year, ‘Unity’ received an updated remix package in mid-’92, labelled as ‘Northside’ and ‘Southside’ remixes. Merseyside based house duo Bassheads provided the ‘North’, with FSOL providing the ‘South’ – somewhat controversially, given Brian’s Scottish roots and their formation in Manchester.
The remix itself features barely anything of the original track, other than a couple of vocal loops, forgoing 120bpm house in place of surprisingly rave-friendly breakbeats and breakneck piano loops. Contrasting minor and major keys give the mix a sense of emotional interest, while the tempo acts as propulsion: it’s fun, and was no doubt successful club-fodder at the time. In the grand scheme of the group’s career, it feels very much akin to their very early remixes, in its comparative simplicity and dancefloor-seeking production. I’ve always liked the opening minor key synth loop, wherever it’s sampled from, but the rest of the track leaves much to be desired to my ears.
Tracklists:
12″ (UCRT 6)
A1. Unity (Bassheads in the Area)
A2. Unity (Bassheads Dub Arena)
B1. Unity (Future Sound of London Remix)
B2. Unity (Future Sound of London Tuff City)
B3. Unity (Future Sound of London Piano City)
CD (UCRCD 6)
1. Unity (Future Sound of London 7″ Edit)
2. Unity (Future Sound of London 12″ Remix)
3. Unity (Bassheads in the Area)
4. Unity (Future Sound of London Tuff City)
5. Unity (Bassheads Dub Arena)
Credits
Written and produced by Unity.
Remixed by The Future Sound of London.
Fractional Difference 