Released on:
Promo 500
ISDN (Black)
ISDN (White)
Runtime: 7:20 (Black), 7:22 (White), 6:18 (Promo 500, white 2LP)
The two CD editions of ISDN index ‘Slider’ differently: the black edition starts with the Aliens-sampling “not bad for a human” environment, the white starting on the first kick of the track. I prefer the latter: this is a track that punches you in the face, and the intro doesn’t add to the effect. Put simply, ‘Slider’ is a beast. Huge slabs of percussion, densely layered, are the main focus; a distorted 303 line takes up the melodic duties, while eastern sounding female vocals and flutes wail from the mist. Bass synth notes shudder through the mix at intervals. It’s the sound of a post-apocalyptic city, barely gripping to some semblance of order as people swarm through its smog-infested streets. I absolutely hated it at first – where were the open landscapes and beautiful melodies of Lifeforms and Dead Cities? – but it’s really grown on me over the years, and has become one of my favourite ’90s tracks. Those 303 squelches just after the five minute mark are a real highlight. The CD versions and black vinyl edition of ISDN feature the first extended environment during the outro, a wonderfully creepy piece with growling, gurgling organic noises, disembodied voices and the tolling of a church bell. Sadly, this environment is missing entirely from the white 2LP edition of the album.
The track was earmarked as a potential second single, with a radio edit even being made (and unheard until Electric Brain Storms 11), and a catalogue number set aside (VSCDT 1650). One way or another, a full single was never released, although its first appearance as lead track on Promo 500 no doubt made it a likely contender. The track is credited as coming from the VPRO transmission.
Credits
Written and produced by The Future Sound of London.
Engineered by Yage for EBV.
Recorded live at Earthbeat Studios London 1994 during an ISDN transmission live to Holland via VPRO Radio 9/9/94.
Fractional Difference 