Red and Blue
By
Unity
I originally received this EP last August on its release
but, one thing led to another, and I didn’t get round to reviewing it So, I
decided that now was the time. Unity is one of those who has sent a few things
my way in the last couple of years, including a T-Shirt, and I am very grateful
for that.
So, before I get into the EP let me introduce you to Unity. She
is a DJ, BGirl, and graffiti writer from Cardiff in Wales. She grew up in
Mid-Wales on a diet of guitar bands, discovering funk and Hip Hop via the
Beastie Boys. Unity began her lyrical journey via spoken word and gives a
poetic, clear delivery of real-life stories which cut deep. Influenced by
Taskforce and Kae Tempest, Unity has been recognised for her understanding of
Hip Hop culture and its applications in community settings. She is a founding
member of the Ladies of Rage network and has spoken at events by Bristol
University, Cardiff’s Festival of Voice and as far afield as Hong Kong
University. She has also written a chapter for a global Hiphopography book by
professors from the universities of Hong Kong and Western Cape (South Africa).
Her debut EP ‘Progress is a Process’ was released in 2020, closely followed by
‘Garden of My Soul’ in February 2021. Her debut album ‘Diving Deeper’ came in
November 2021 with This EP Red and Blue in 2022, both of which were released
through Bard Picasso (the label she has since parted ways with).
So, in just a few short years Unity has accomplished a lot
and that’s not to mention her stunning graffiti artwork as well, so with all
that in mind, join me as I take you on a ride through Red and Blue…
The EP kicks off with the title track Red and Blue
which features Wolfgang Von Vanderghast and is produced by Billy Phono. Fractured
electric guitar vibes and mellow piano guide us in before the drum beat drops
triggering a release of adrenaline fuelling every inch of your body. The mix of
drums, piano and the nerve shredding guitar brings a vibe that toys with your
mind, constantly bouncing from one vibe to the next and this fits so well with
the overall feeling of the track. Unity and Vanderghast explore the deep
questions of who or what we are in the grand scheme of things. These are
questions that often rattle around in our minds, especially after a life
changing event. When that happens, we constantly question who we are, what is
the greatest expression of true self? How does it fit into the grander scheme
of things and do we even understand what reality is? With all those questions
and more now vying for a place in our mind, sharp piano notes fill our
awareness and switching our focus back to the music. High Street Bullshit,
produced by Rollo, has a melodic beat which has this deep feel to it. Unity
uses a more spoken word to her delivery as she takes us on a trip through the
rundown areas of Swansea where graffiti writers unite to combat the conflicts
and the struggles of a society that never wanted people to come together but,
to always be against each other. The music and vibe of Unity’s words here
almost feel like the ghost of the past has come to guide the listener through
these visions of pain before guiding you to a better outlook as those you see
seek to overcome their hurdles through visual expression and creativity.
With that vision of a better future still floating in your
head the EP moves on with Faith Makers, produced and mixed by Leone
Vuetivavalagi and featuring Missy G. Drums and sonic sounds merge here to
create a futuristic vibe. Unity takes a look at the pain and suffering around
the world and how this can often seem so overwhelming to many of us. There is
another side to this as well, we are all human beings we have enough empathy, wisdom,
and the power to fill our lives with positive outlooks and the power to bring
that positivity, through our own actions, to those who suffer around us. The
vibe of this track almost makes it feel like your future self is looking back
to pain of the past and sees the power we have to bring change through our own
focused energy. There is no time to sit back and consider what you have heard
already as Dead Boy Walking drops, produced by DW Smith, and featuring
Skunkadelic and Stabitha. The beat has a head nod vibe with vocal samples
giving it an almost haunting quality, which fits perfectly with the stories
being brought to light here. These distressing stories focus on the plight of
children whose parents, through neglect or intention, held their children back,
seeking to claim benefits by not teaching their children the fundamentals of
life like how to talk or how to use the toilet, instead only putting them in
front of a screen. For someone who is a parent, these stories touch the deepest
part of you, making you wonder how people could be so desperate as to put money
before their child’s welfare and development. Moving into the final track of
the EP there is a real consideration as to what might be next but, that only
lasts a split second before Running hits, produced by Unity, and
featuring Stabitha with cuts from DJ Veto, acoustic guitar and drums create
this upbeat vibe that provides the light at the end of the tunnel. The message
here is really about who you are, and that you need to look at you and who you
are. When you take that time to pause and consider you, ask yourself, “Am I
running towards myself or away from myself”? If you are running away, what are
you running from? If you are running towards yourself, are you truly ready to
meet the real you? Whatever the answer is, the real you is there waiting for
the moment you can embrace each other…
What is striking about Red and Blue is the depth and the
clarity of what is being put across here. Unity puts across these deep
reflections of life in such a way that you feel them deep inside, just as if
you were stood watching or were even the one experiencing what was happening in
that moment. It also brings up feeling from within, perhaps emotions from your
own personal experiences are rekindled as you listen. The clarity with which
Unity expresses her words is what opens you up to the feelings. You hear every
word, understand each sentiment and emotive expression.
What is also immediately evident here is that Red and Blue
undoubtedly has its roots in Hip Hop, there are some other influences that come
through from the producers but, all the production here is solid and really
serves to enhance the emotive vibe of each track. Just as the producers elicit
those feels, so it is with the guest artists here. Each one creates perfect
balance track to track adding depth along the way. It really makes for stunning
listening experience from top to bottom.
I couldn’t go without talking about Unity as an emcee here.
She displays this clarity of vocalisation that obviously comes from her
experience in spoken word, and it serves to open up her verses so that you can
easily get into them word by word and get this sense of what she is putting
across. I like her mix of styles matching the rap style with the spoken word
and adding that real emotive depth to every subject that always touches the
listener. You really have to listen and allow the words to sink in here.
Overall, Red and Blue is a strong emotive project that many
of you will be able to associate with and feel both touched and entertained by.
It really displays the strength of Unity as both a Hip Hop head and a
storyteller. It opens the listener up to the reality of living in Wales, in the
now and in a way that is easily relatable and heard no matter where you live.
Unity is one to watch in Hip Hop, mark my words.
Red and Blue is available now and don’t forget to check her
Graff art too, links below.
My huge thanks to Unity for sending me this and everything
else and for the bio which I used a great portion of in italics at the start of
the review.
On that Note,
I’m Out,
See Ya.
Steve.
LINKS
All the links you need for the EP and everything Unity are via this Linktree:
VIDEOS
Red and Blue ft Wolfgang Von Vanderghast
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