Unitone Hifi are an electronic outfit from Auckland. Unitone Hifi released several albums on German label Incoming! in the mid-90s, alongside other New Zealand acts like Salmonella Dub.
History
Unitone Hifi members Angus McNaughton and Joost Langeveld had been working together as Nemesis Dub Systems in the early 90s. They joined with Auckland DJ Stinky Jim to become a trio some time in 1993. After releasing a couple of albums and a remix album containing many prestigious downtempo producers of the time, the outfit folded in 1997.
Early single
The group's first outing was the single Sitting By The Telephone, released on Deep Grooves in 1993. This was a complete and relatively straightforward pop song featuring ex-Upper Hut Posse member Teremoana Rapley on vocals. It was markedly different from later releases, not least because it was the only time they released a song (with verses, anyway).
Albums
In 1995 now-defunct German label Incoming! released Wickedness Increased, a collection of downbeat tunes with notable dub and hip-hop influences. The album was distributed throughout New Zealand. The only non-instrumental moment was Mighty Asterix singing the refrain of the old soul tune Shining Star over Guiding Star (MPLA Burial).
In the following year Incoming! released a remix album, Rewound + Rerubbed, which featured remixes largely from European and American producers such as Rockers Hifi, Nick Manasseh, Burnt Friedman and members of Wire. The only New Zealand acts involved were Unitone Hifi themselves and Joost & Angus's Nemesis Dub Systems.
The remix album was closely followed by an EP, Foxy Trotter, and the group's second album of originals, Boomshot.
Eventual Break-Up
For whatever reason Unitone Hifi dissolved some time in 1997. All 3 members have gone to actively produce music, and Angus and Jim released music as Phase 5 on the specially-created Round Trip Mars label.
Trivia
- The Funki Porcini remix on Rewound + Rerubbed was also released retitled as a Funki Porcini original on his Ninja Tune album 'Love, Pussycats & Carwrecks'.
Members
Discography
Albums
EP's
Singles
Relevant Links
Jan 1993 - Dec 1997
