Uone is known for his psychedelic style that orientates around melodic grooves and organic percussion. His sound ranges from indie dance to deep house but mainly orientates around organic house.
Australian artist, Uone is back on his record label Beat & Path with his new album Phantom Whistler which is split into four parts.
Uone is a pillar of the Australian club scene and also runs the Chi Wow Wah Town festival and events. Beat & Path is a main outlet for Uone’s own productions, but he has also featured music on other influential record labels such as Sol Selectas, Katermukke, Balance Music and Stil Vor Talent.
The album is called Phantom Whistler and is split into four different parts each labelled as a Chapter. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 are already out with the 4th and final Chapter due to drop on the 19th of May.
It’s a diverse album covering the full range of Uone’s different styles and along with his solo productions, it also includes collaborations with Heath Myers, Wilma (AU) and Christian Dimarco.
The ambient opener’ Universal Wisdom’ dispatches lessons amongst a lattice of synths and sounds. ‘We are spiritual beings having a human experience’, the sage guru relays, opening the circle in a didactic fashion.
A soft, deep house throb welcomes the listener to ‘Project MK Ultra’: Digestible melodies swirl around a shiny harmonica, a trademark whistle, and a vocal discussing past wrongs done by the powers that be; the massive breakdown a tight allegory for the societal tension looking to break.
‘Strike a Match’ is seductive, offering sweet leaf etiquette as a big middle finger to stifling authority. With guitars dripping in chorus pedals and a fat 4/4 engine, this one has it all: sex, drugs and rock n roll — Wild West style.
Tribal drums tap generously on the title track ‘Phantom Whistler’, a warm deep house number for days covered in dark clouds. With lamenting guitars, trumpets and snapping castanets, it feels Catalan-inspired, a bullfighter reminiscing on a long-lost love and an unforgiving present.
‘Lake at Dusk’ (one of four interludes on the LP) acts as the perfect rumination on the prior cut’s keening energy. Featuring renowned sound healer Christian Dimarco, it utilises a pan flute and clear brooks to create an organic mindfulness machine aiming to mend.
With the philosophical lines drawn, the BPMs and intent are cranked on ‘Thought Control’. The only way to highlight the incendiary message (‘we don’t need no thought control’) is through confidant guitars and sleazy drums working in tandem with bass so thick it would take 10 lasso ropes to contain its power. This is a cosmically enhanced groove of the highest order.
While seeking adventure in France, the Phantom Whistler crossed paths with a saxophone-playing melomaniac. The result: interlude number three; a gorgeous one-take field recording called ‘The Frenchman’s Rest’, its velvet tones a refuge from the cold urban noise.
Phantom Whistler is one part medicine man and two parts adventurer, an odd stick, a high noon drifter folding music into wistful states of consciousness; lawmakers paint him as outright dangerous, a counter-culture iconoclast with a dicey reputation/taste for treasure.
Just You & Me is dipping in sex and funk, the dulcet tones of Barry White rides the dirtiest rhythm this side of Texas. Fat, hedonistic and incredibly dangerous, this is tantalising tech house.
The synchronicity of life is explored in ‘Faith, Hope & Charity’, a delightful dancefloor number musing over the magic of the number three.
On ‘A Distant Oasis’, a babbling stream and contemplative whistle set the scene for the lonely cello of Australian cellist Wilma – all adding to an atmosphere filled with Northern Exposure energy.
We’re almost nearing the end, and if this is a Hero’s Journey,’ Light Reading 2020′ might be its apogee. Featuring the spoken word of fellow Australian guru Heath Myers, it’s a doctrine filled with provocative theories, spiritual tenets and generational teachings that glide along a mesmerising 4/4 rhythm — all enhanced by a totally entrancing melody shimmering like the stars it refers to.
The original mix of ‘Universal Wisdom’ circles back to the start of the journey, its pertinent message wrapped in low-slung throbbing bass, enveloping deep tech beats and shimmering FX.
Taming your surroundings is crucial for any outlaw, and the noble craft of Falconry runs parallel with that ethos. Not just a smooth ode to passion, the gliding guitar and respectful vocal of ‘Karachi Eagles’ pays homage to those who devote their life to passion.
‘Irish Campfire’ features real-life Irish Whistler champion Joe Moran who plays a pensive piece around a crackling campfire. This is audio whiskey, my friend; a place to replenish and restore, a time to integrate the teachings from before.
As we pack up and throw dirt on the last smouldering coals, we ride one last time with ‘Cause My Love’, a sweet disco-fied sunrise after a long night learning big lessons. The Motown-inspired energy is filled with gratitude and contentment, acknowledging that, yes, we really are spirits on a human experience.
You can buy Chapter 1 HERE.
You can buy Chapter 2 HERE.
You can buy Chapter 3 HERE.
You can Pre-order Chapter 4 HERE.
