Stuart Li, a.k.a. Basic Soul Unit’s, style is filmly rooted in new-age Chicago house. His stems range from acid house to deep techno to electronica and everything in-between. He’s put out tracks on a number of first-class labels, such as Philpot, Versatile, Ostgut Ton, and Creme Organization, to name a few. One of his latest releases to hit the market is on new imprint Fanzine. This three-track EP puts on display different facets of the Canadian DJ/producer’s signature sound.
Title track “Distant Lines” is an intergalactic showdown, developed by crisp Roland drums elements and spacey pads. The textures and layering make this track elegant-yet-modern acid house. “Thaw” is a slow burning, deep groover. The grainy claps and hats keep the track subtle, but the trippy synth loop takes it to another place. The highlight of the EP, however, has to be “Slow Simmer”, which will slap you around with its claps. The rhythmic bleeps add a hypnotic element, until Li hits the restart button and strips everything back at the drop to a kick and bass line. This one is sure to get the floor moving!
