There’s such a vibrant palette of sounds on offer and every artist has put in a mighty effort creating a whole new listening experience. I think it’s really fantastic that all these musicians have come together to redesign what really should be considered an unmissable album of 2020.
A vibrant palette of sounds
I reviewed this most excellent album (Proto Human, Kahvi Collective) a few months ago having dropped a huge boulder in the pond with his debut and the ripples are still travelling further afield—now remixed by a whole host of artists. Some recognizable names, some, as yet I don’t. But, if you put good stuff in, you’re bound to get quality out.
Every track remixed is unique. There are no artists covering the same track. 4T Thieves’ remix of “After Then” once again pushes his signature ghost mastery. A short introduction, and then, awash with synth pads swaying around in the breeze alongside a punchy beat. The Greg Blades remix is a masterpiece. Starting quite electronically with a clap of thunder, the mix drains away like that of a fading radio signal. A lovely bass guitar runs through—a very organic backdrop to the record.
My personal favourite on the original album was the track titled “Dunkin.” Hearing this rendering from an artist known as Empty Sea was once again a most magical moment. The melody that runs through this track is as memorable as some of Aphex Twin’s early 202 lines. There is something broken about its sound—something just out of reach. If you don’t experience chills running down your neck on this one then check your pulse.
Whilst listening to these remixes it really dawns on me as to how memorable the melodies are within the original recording. It’s an album full of ear worms. Faex Optim’s work on the self-titled track gives it a low-fi feel, making use of a great break which for the life of me I’m trying to remember where I’ve heard it. A real positive and happy vibe with bubbly nostalgic synthesisers.
An album full of ear worms…
There’s such a vibrant palette of sounds on offer and every artist has put in a mighty effort creating a whole new listening experience. I think it’s really fantastic that all these musicians have come together to redesign what really should be considered an unmissable album of 2020. They are celebrating their music. They are contributing as well as consuming. This is what promotes a very healthy artistic culture. Music really is the stuff of reinvention and dreams. It’s excellent to see that magic in full action.
Letters From Mouse is not only a very talented musician, but also offers his time for a radio show. It goes out Sunday at 9:00 PM (UK time) on Mad Wasp Radio. I’ve tuned in myself a couple of times and been delighted to hear new talent. Listening to music this way feels a little healthier to me. Rather than seeing what is trending or buzzing, one relies on an individuals’ personal choice. He spends time talking about the music, thanking the artists and promoting them, toward (hopefully) sales. I contacted LFM to thank him personally for a few new musical things I’d found and bought as a result of listening to the show. He said, “nothing gave him greater pleasure.”
Listen to both of these great albums. Tune in to his show. Like, subscribe/join in and most importantly, keep your ear to the ground for future output from this fellow and all the artists who’ve contributed to the remix album.
Proto Human Remixed is available on Bandcamp.
