Ghostwoods :: Neon Remixed EP (4000 Records)

Listening to Ghostwoods’ Neon Remixed, out on 4000 Records, is a sweet diversion. Each remix is unique to the others, and each is thoughtfully assembled.

A sweet diversion

Listening to Ghostwoods’ Neon Remixed, out on 4000 Records, is a sweet diversion. Each remix is unique to the others, and each is thoughtfully assembled. “Dreamless (Shugorei Remix)” opens with melodic pads and a subdued piano part. About a minute in, and the track explodes with a set of loud progressions set to a beat. The track resembles in drum ‘n bass with tonal runs beginning in the treble range. Piano chords continue, interacting with the tonal runs, creating a fast, bright effect. At 2:50 minutes, the piece explodes with a burst of white noise. Very fast mod grooves begin, with a bit of a generative feel. These sonic strands rise in pitch and volume, peak, and fall off in sync with a rapid rhythm and a set of bass pad parts that seem to portamento down as percussive elements continue. The piece gets quite loud, and then fades out with melodies of pads and piano keys falling apart.

“Brighter Now (gartrOn Remix)” initiates with melodic pad notes, bass tones, and other Eastern themed elements such as gongs, cymbals, and folk woodwind tones. It is tough to tell– these sounds may be synthetic. A saxophone melody begins 1 minute in. and the sax part resemble the Pipa phrases in Can’s version of Eno’s “Thursday Afternoon.” The sax melody takes over, and is bright and active. In a modern classical style, the saxophone soars over the bed of pads, bells, gongs, and electronic sounds. A keys phrase begins and is accompanied by melodic pads, washes, and clusters of bass tones. The track becomes louder, and a sort-of “walking” section begins. The saxophone persists, changing into a series of high tonal wails, and then into a miasmatic mix of tones and drawn-out sounds. As the track moves towards resolution, the sax becomes nostalgic-sounding, while keys pulse like clockwork in the upper register. With the modern classical elements and poignant melodies, the track overall is similar to some Steve Reich’s works.

Closing piece “Terminus (YEARNS Remix),” is drifty yet dramatic, opening with tense, melodic pads as electronic percolations can be heard after about 1 minute—evolving into its key melodies. The track progresses, and a sense of approaching epiphany emerges. The remix draws from the base track that is just as strong, supportive and tonal. Eventually, a substantial swell occurs in sound level, until it fades out into a higher pitch.

With Deceased Estates’ roughened textural/noise remix of “Terminal Bliss,” to Noir et Blanc’s saccharine piano-ambient whir of “Saturnine,” and Timothy Fairless’ secluded / epic drone-sweeping rendition of “Liminal,” Neon Remixed is utterly unique and captivating to listen to. Those who haven’t heard the original (2023’s My Neon) should definitely check it out, as well as its magnetized remixed siblings.

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Ghostwoods is Meanjin/Brisbane, Australia’s James Lees (drums, percussion, piano), Mark Angel (electric guitar), Karl O’Shea (bass), Andrew Garton (saxophone, clarinet, flute), James Halloran (keys, synths), Rohan Seekers (keys, synths), with Neon Remixed mastered by Lawrence English and artwork by Brett Harris.

Neon Remixed is available on 4000 Records. [Bandcamp]