Bonobo

Two years after its original release, Bonobo's critically acclaimed Black Sands comes back as a remixed effort, with an impressive roster handling an equally impressive album. True to form, Remixed dabbles with artists intent on keeping Black Sands' refinements front and centre. Ethereal string arrangements, haunting keys and gossamer vocal compositions are still present, especially on "Prelude," remixed by Lapalux, the latest name to be signed to Fly Lo's Brainfeeder label. The new take on the intro is more than double the length of the original and introduces a wobbly interpretation of the haunting strings the piece rides on. Eerie vocals flit atop a static backdrop as "Stay the Same (Blue Daisy 'Not Quite the Same' Remix)" builds on a rising beat before muted brass closes the track. A few numbers that didn't make the original cut ("Ghost Ship" and "Back Brace") offer a return to a more organic experience with their distinct bass lines, snare snaps and piano interludes. Black Sands Remixed is a perfect complement to a standout original.