Stalwarts of the post-dubstep and "indie-tronica" universe Mount Kimbie delivered their third studio album, Love What Survives, to critical acclaim last September. Naturally, the record wouldn't be complete without an accompaniment of dance-floor ready remixes. This can often yield inconsistent results.
If you're searching for the cutting edge, or alternatively a subtle reworking, neither can be found on this six-track package. Instead, each artist gives a reasonably effective reimagining of the initial works.
Released as two parts, Nina Kraviz delivers the first part — three remixes of "Blue Train Rides." None of these versions manage to integrate the King Krule vocal in a manner that carries the original's sentiment. This normally wouldn't be a concern if the track was discernibly inventive in other areas, but the stripped-back approach that Kraviz normally employs has a hard time meshing with the Mount Kimbie-created pieces. Nonetheless, there are still a few moments of quirk and production trickery that offer reward.
The second part begins with the strongest of the remixes, with Gerd Janson remixing "Four Years And One Day." Plush with colour and eclecticism, the Running Back boss's version is surely destined for Dekmantel. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Marcel Dettmann turns to burbling broken-beat techno machinations for an experience focused on function. Where the Janson approach relies more heavily on the initial track's chords and melodic structure, Dettman utilizes dissonance and feedback. "T.A.M.E.D." is treated to an Ellen Allien "U.F.O" remix, that tends more to monotony than inspiration, unfortunately.
In the end, none of these remixes could be called a surprise, as each artists' version carries their own stylistic cues. All four will likely find a comfortable slot within one of the artists' set lists, but will do little to satisfy the more adventurous crate digger.
(Warp)If you're searching for the cutting edge, or alternatively a subtle reworking, neither can be found on this six-track package. Instead, each artist gives a reasonably effective reimagining of the initial works.
Released as two parts, Nina Kraviz delivers the first part — three remixes of "Blue Train Rides." None of these versions manage to integrate the King Krule vocal in a manner that carries the original's sentiment. This normally wouldn't be a concern if the track was discernibly inventive in other areas, but the stripped-back approach that Kraviz normally employs has a hard time meshing with the Mount Kimbie-created pieces. Nonetheless, there are still a few moments of quirk and production trickery that offer reward.
The second part begins with the strongest of the remixes, with Gerd Janson remixing "Four Years And One Day." Plush with colour and eclecticism, the Running Back boss's version is surely destined for Dekmantel. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Marcel Dettmann turns to burbling broken-beat techno machinations for an experience focused on function. Where the Janson approach relies more heavily on the initial track's chords and melodic structure, Dettman utilizes dissonance and feedback. "T.A.M.E.D." is treated to an Ellen Allien "U.F.O" remix, that tends more to monotony than inspiration, unfortunately.
In the end, none of these remixes could be called a surprise, as each artists' version carries their own stylistic cues. All four will likely find a comfortable slot within one of the artists' set lists, but will do little to satisfy the more adventurous crate digger.