- Detroit and Chicago house faded away from the forefront over the last few years to make way for more palatable styles like microhouse and the new minimal-cum-deep-house. But thankfully everything is coming back full circle, and the quirky grunge of the historical landmarks are finding their place in DJ's crates again. Chinese-born and Toronto-raised Stuart Li, more popularly known as Basic Soul Unit, was in the right place to get hit from all sides by house and techno while growing up, and it shows: Having produced on respected labels such as Philpot, Mule Electronic and Versatile, and just recently licensing an exclusive track to Ostgut Ton that was used on Tama Sumo's Panorama Bar 02, Li's recent run as a producer has been markedly impressive.
There's no denying the instant curb-appeal of "Hope.Unity.Vision," with its infectious flanged synth and crisp-but-compressed drums. A simple 303 line works its way into the fray, and without much effort, classic Chicago house oozes from the walls in a near-perfect throwback track. "Basic Necessity" brings things up a bit, with a percolating bassline that is sure to give most listeners flashbacks of DJ Funk and Lil' Louis. But where the timeless nature of the beat may reign supreme, its coupling with warm pad washes link it to the present.
"Rhythm No. 1," however, would sound quite at home on Ostgut Ton—dirty and cavernous, the entire track haunts its way across its six minutes with marvelous simplicity. Further tying the past with the present, Chicago's Justin Long—of No Assembly Firm fame—tweaks his favorite Roland toy to jerk and funk the original with his "Acid Peel Version." Listening with eyes closed, you'd think this was a dusted-off gem from a house aficionado's vast collection. Basic Soul Unit is clearly setting the stage for us to fall in love again with a side of house we almost forgot was there.
Tracklist A1 Hope.Unity.Vision
B1 Basic Necessity
B2 Rhythm No. 1
Digital: Rhythm No 1 (Justin Long's Acid Peel version)