UNI
DEEPEST TRACKS
ALBUM STRAIGHTEDGE RELEASE: APRIL 1, 1999 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 6, 1999
The ambient groove of Finnish Uni has in recent years become something of a
Nordic trademark. At least in the field of what could be called ethnically
and environmentally aware techno. This direction include such bands as Gus
Gus, Nåid and Hedningarna. A common feature among these bands is their
fascination for both new technology and their own ancient roots.
Uni's contribution to this tradition is rather dull. You never really find
the nerve and atmosphere that is supposed to be there. Instead you get too
many long passages of ambient nothingness. Where, for example, Gus Gus have
created a distinctly personal sound, Uni seem to have been more vague with
their intentions.
But there are occasional moments of beauty. Like in the Dead Can
Dance-influenced "Tong", where you can distinguish some ethnical honesty.
The more dance-oriented tracks are generally competent, but also very
forgettable. Something that unfortunately is symptomatic for "Deepest
Tracks" as a whole.
ERIK ALMGREN