Dance and Electronica with Chris Honnery
Matthew Herbert and Efdemin have both reworked tracks from DJ Koze’s acclaimed Amygdala album for a remix EP that’ll be released on Koze’s Pampa imprint in early December. Herbert has remixed Koze’s collaboration with Matthew Dear ‘Magical Boy’, returning the favour after Koze’s immensely popular rework of Herbert’s cut ‘It’s Only’ by delivering an epic ten-minute remix. As one would expect, Herbert’s rework is as much a reinterpretation as a remix, injecting the original track with the voice of singer Rahel to transform the song by giving it a whole new drive. Not to be overshadowed, Deep Impressions favourite Efdemin has also conjured up something close to his best form with his reworking of ‘La Duquesa’. Efdemin similarly owed Koze a favour following Koze’s memorable remix of his track ‘There Will Be Singing’, and ‘Effy’ has responded with a deep and enchanting rework that is laden with subtle layers of intricate melodies. While the EP sells itself given the pedigree of the individuals involved, I can happily report that the remixes are every bit as good as you’d imagine them to be.
Another remix package to look out for will arrive soon courtesy of Lawrence, the lauded Hamburg producer who runs the Dial imprint alongsideCarsten Jost.Lawrence released his sixth album Films & Window a few months back, adding to an accomplished body of work that also comprises his mix compilation Until Then, Goodbye along with remixes of Superpitcher, Pantha du Prince and my personal favourite, the vinyl-only rework of Francesco Tristano’s ‘Tristano Introit’. The forthcoming Lawrence remix package features reworks from German producer XBD and Steven Tang, who’ve both reimagined the track ‘Angels At Night’, while Jost has teamed up with DJ Richardto remix ‘Marlen’. Films & Windows Remixed will be released on the same day as the Koze remixes, Monday December 2.
Russian producer Nina Kraviz – she of ‘bubble-bath-gate fame – will release a six-track EP of new material, Mr. Jones, next week on Radio Slave’s Rekids label. Touted as a collection of tracks that are “melancholic yet danceable”, the EP includes a collaboration with Detroit producer Luke Hess, ‘Remember’, a rip-roaring number that evokes the Berghain dancefloor with its siren-like sounds and battering ram percussion. Other tracks such as ‘Black White’ offer more melodic and idiosyncratic sounds. Kraviz recently revealed that the title track is “one of my very, very first tracks from my very, very beginning” and was “produced in Moscow and based on my own vocal loops.” While I confess I was slightly disappointed with Kraviz’s debut LP, this EP is a return to the form and flavour of tracks such as ‘Pain In The Ass’ and ‘Tanya’, through which she made her name and established herself as one of the most engaging producers on the club circuit.
Speaking of Radio Slave, the veteran London producer will return to Sydney to play the inaugural FACT Weekender at Cockatoo Island on February 1-2. For anyone late to the party, the Rekids label boss is recognised for his output across a range of monikers, including The Machine and Quite Village alongside Joel Martin, and has contributed DJ mixes for the Balance and Fabric compilation series over the years. Edwards’ productions as Radio Slave are slow-burning techno opuses, subtly channeling Detroit influences through tracks that are ostensibly crafted with the darkest crevasses of the dancefloor in mind. The other standout among the Festival’s first release lineup is Chicago luminary Chez Damier, though there’s also the proverbial promise of a high profile headliner who is yet to be announced…
Looking Deeper
Friday November 22
Saturday December 21
Subsonic Pirates Of The Underground VII
Harbour cruise departing Rose Bay Wharf
Sunday March 9
Deep Impressions: electronica manifesto and occasional club brand. Contact through [email protected].
