UNIT 187 - Loaded
Songs: 12  Time: 64:43 
Is this the same Unit 187 that released their 21st Circuitry debut last year?  On Loaded, Unit 187 seem to have matured in sound, creating a coldwave album full of power and aggression.  Not only is the music much better, but Unit 187 managed to pull in some heavyweights for Loaded.  First of all, Jed Simon, who played guitar for FLA, is now a core member of the Unit 187, taking up the position as guitarist.  Rhys Fulber also makes an appearance as he remixes Stillborn.  Fellow Canadians Tensor remix Dead Dogs and, lastly, 16 Volt takes the title track an subjects it to their own brand of power rock-electro.  There isn’t only one thing that stands out about this release, but several.  Tod’s vocals are raw and convincing, John’s programming is intense, and Jed’s guitar work is invigorating. Nobody is a rough cut with a pounding rhythm, enraged vocals and vibrant sequences.  The instrumental Traces implements a hip-hop style beat along with rich programming.  Shape Shifter features less aggressive vocals, toned down guitar work, spacey sequences, as well as samples from Happy Gilmore and Aliens.  The B-52’s classic, Planet Claire, is roughed up with heavy metal styled guitar work, a pounding beat, and raspy vocals.  This cover is bound to be a classic on its own.  The original mix of Stillborn is heavily dependent on its gabba influenced beat and squeaky electronics, while the guitar work seems only to enhance its general sound.  Amazingly enough, Rhys’ mix doesn’t toss the guitar into the forefront of the piece and even adds some really ingenious techno sounds.  Tensor’s Doggy Style Mix of Dead Dogs is a straight forward techno piece that rambles between intelligent and ambient.  Loaded already sounded a bit like a 16 Volt tune, so it was natural that they would provide a remix.  On their Shockfuckee Mix, Eric and co. tone down the original by omitting many of the harsh qualities and transforming it into a piece that is reliant on the vocals and beat alone.  Loaded is a very powerful release that melds many musical elements into one, making it a top pick of ’97.
    
21ST CIRCUIRTY RECORDS                           Unit 187 is:
P.O. Box 170100                                                      John Morgan / Jed Simon / Byron / Tod Law
San Francisco, CA 94117                                      Contact Unit 187 @
e-mail: circuit@sirius.com                                     P.O.. Box 54048
Ph/Fx: 415-751-2001                                                701 Granville St.
21st Circuitry homepage:                                      Pacific Centre
http://www.hallucinet.com/cyberden/21st        Vancouver, BC
                                                                                  V7Y 1K6