Tag Archives: remix

Album Review, New Music

R34L ‘WHAT/IS: REMIXED’ Album

Production duo R34L have released ‘WHAT/IS: REMIXED,’ A remix of their 2019 debut album. Restoring fun to the studio, R34L started experimenting with sampling some of the tracks and started to reimagine them in completely different ways. They now present their second album, an alternative version that they could perform at live shows. Formed by Cason Trager and Sarah Hartman, R34L is a production duo from Chicago. They describe their sound as “a journey into another dimension of space & sound.”

Swimming in dark electronics ‘WHAT/IS: REMIXED’ is a dazing collection of tracks. Hartman’s haunting vocals coo with delicate tones as each song delves into a pool of vast synths, sticky beats and rippling psychedelic soundscapes. The rich production and multitude of textures makes ‘Hellow (Sarah’s Atlantis Remix)’ , ‘Undone (Chachuba Remix)’ and ‘Are You Real (k$quid Remix)’ both spirited and soothing all at once as the flashing synth elements and dreamy melodies intertwine and blend. The album continues this diverse and rich display of musicianship as R34L experiment and give a new lease of life to their songs.

‘WHAT/IS: REMIXED’ is a fascinating glimpse into the creativity of R34L as they weave house elements, with hip hop and electronic dance to create an engaging and luring album.

Talking about the process they said “The remix album ended up being super diverse across electronic music styles, which was our goal from the start. This, to us, captured the intent of the original album–as a journey in form.” 

Stream ‘WHAT/IS: REMIXED’ below


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music

Jape’s Columbia Mills ‘The Greatest Love’ Remix

Following the release of their critically acclaimed second album ‘CCTV’ earlier this year, Columbia Mills have announced they have teamed up with some of their favourite artists Jape, Girl Band, Ryan Vail and Get Well Soon, for their ‘Remixed EP’. This EP allowed the artists to create their own interpretation of tracks from ‘CCTV’ and put their creative spin on the songs. The first release from the remixed EP is Jape’s remix of their song ‘The Greatest Love’.

With flashing electronics, lush textures and melodies Richie Egan’s ( aka Jape ) remix of ‘The Greatest Love’ takes a more electronic dance form. Japes interpretation uses skittish beats, desert vibes and rushing waves of synths to create a 70’s-esque dance floor banger. Rich rhythms adorn the backdrop with an almost Salsa rhythmic bounce while the reverb vocals and swirling soundscapes create darker undertones. The remix is truly compelling.

Frontman from Columbia Mills Fiachra Treacy speaks about how the idea came about for the remixed EP:

“Above all else, the members of Columbia Mills are massive music fans. We spend most of our free time attending gigs of all genres and discussing our favourite artists.  Our broad range of influences can be heard in our music, so we thought it would be a good idea to ask the people who influence us most, to remix some of our tracks. We put out the feelers and we were delighted that everyone agreed to be a part of this EP. Getting the mixes back from each artist was like waking up on Christmas morning. To have your favourite artist remix your tracks was an awesome feeling for us. Given the circumstances we find ourselves in, there has been a massive sense of community amongst artists of all genres. We are all in the same boat. Some of us are unsure as to whether we keep paddling, or whether to get off before it sinks entirely. This project, and the support that we have gotten from our friends and fellow artists, have galvanized and inspired us to keep going.  It has inspired us to plough ahead and write our 3rd album.This EP represents the sense of community that has been created by the decimation of our industry. 5 artists of different genres coming together to support each other when it is needed the most.Thank you, Richie, Foxy (and the lads from Girl band), Ryan, and Konstantin for your genius. We are inspired and truly grateful.” 

Stream Jape’s remix of ‘The Greatest Love’ below


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music

Enola Gay ’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix)’

Two of Ireland’s most exciting new acts, Enola Gay and PRS Techno Act Of 2020, Mount Palomar, combine on the visceral Black Lives Matter protest track,’The Birth of a Nation’. Written in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the original song was a response to the institutional racism that has plagued society for centuries. Having witnessed abhorrent prejudice aimed at a black friend on the streets of Belfast in the subsequent BLM protests, songwriters Joe McVeigh and Fionn Reilly felt compelled to call out the deplorable actions of those who stand in the way of unity and tolerance. Equally sickened by the rise of a jingoistic nationalism that has seen racism and fascism normalised once again, upon hearing the track, Berghain live act Mount Palomar stepped in to add his own unique, experimental twist on the punk anthem. 

’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix)’ heightens the piercing angst of the original track. Mount Palomar smudges thick electronics onto the songs barbed soundscape while the shrilling whines on guitar soar through the dark rapid beats and flashing synths as Mount Palomar creates a manic frenzied soundscape with light glimmers of relief between. The remix maintains the tracks searing, ominous tones while enhancing the intensity and gnarly elements to create a wholly invigorating and tantalizing number for the listener to indulge in.

About the remix Neil Kerr aka Mount Palomar said  “Before coming on board the remix, I questioned whether my input, as a white male living in Belfast, felt appropriate in dealing with such complex subject matter. However, given the appalling rise in jingoism worldwide and Trump’s willingness to fan the flames of division, I felt compelled to add my voice to those protesting against inequality and injustice. Without getting too heavy and self absorbed, as a gay kid growing up in Belfast in the 90s I unfortunately experienced the sense of shame that was almost inevitable in those days as a young gay male bullied for something out of my control. That feeling of self disgust that instilled a prolonged longing to be someone else, has had a lasting impact on my mental well being and to see that so many people are still persecuted due to their skin colour, sexuality, social standing etc… remains a source of huge frustration and disgust.”

Stream ’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix) below


Author : Danu