(09.28.07) Unit 4 are a mysterious entity in the world of electro. In 2003 the partnership of Michael Künzer and Ralf Beck came together on the Amontillado Music label. The record they released was entitled ‘Bodydub.’ The 12″ was a two tracker of electro packed energy with throwbacks to techno, echoings of acid and an unmistakable charisma. Across the electro scene Bodydub was a hit, being picked up by those nice people at Clone for a larger pressing. After a few years off the radar the pair are back with their second EP; New Day. On the back of such a successful, and damn good, debut release, how does the latest attempt measure up?
Künzer and Beck definitely have some kind of dancefloor chemistry going on. Bodydub was a floor filling, air synthin’ masterpiece. New Day moves into different territory, but has that same feel as Unit 4’s debut piece. The track swirls through the speakers with crisp beats before thick synthesized power ballad chords break. Electronic plinks and plonks orbit the piece, scattering space disco invaders across the wax. Lost in an electro time rocket. The B-Side offers up “New Day V.2,” a minimal version of its predecessor which keeps the bones of the original but gives a starker sound. The B-Side offers an extended intro and outro, perfect for those DJ nuts out there.
The only down side is that, like the original release of Bodydub, there are only 250 pressings of New Day; but with such quality the larger imprints are bound to be watching and contemplating a repress. Unit 4 have once again produced an energy filled electro outing, one of intelligence, one of reflection and one that is addictive and unique. The pair, with a catalogue of only two releases, are establishing themselves as an electro force to be reckoned with.
New Day is out now on Amontillado Music.
