(12.23.05) With a bit of delay, here comes the Otto Von Schirach remix album, featuring a great number of Schematic artists plus people from Addcit, Shadetek, Zod and superstars Soft Pink Truth and Jamie Lidell. Be prepared for a huge meltin’ pot of styles and sounds: the original material from Otto himself spans already almost every kind of electronica sub-sub-genre, so it’s hopeless to ask for a cohesive album.
I will start by saying that Richard Devine’s rework is by far the best of the lot; having heard it live at a festival in Rome at devastating volume, I can assure this “Laptops & Martinis” remix is an absolute corker: just remember to crank the volume up properly. There are also many interesting versions, like the squelching electronic mud of Phoenecia, or the drunken hip-hop of Megablastfhresh (who is he?), both revisiting “Boombonic Plague;” Soft Pink Truth chose obviously “Whip Me Down” and twisted it in a soft sadomasochist electro piece, Quintron in a similar way turns “Madame Queef Blizzard” in an ambiguous softcore chat. Both Mochipet and Jamie Lidell mangle “Earjuice Synthesis;” the first creates a funky sparkling version with loads of trumpets screaming, the latter is more faithful to the original, with crunching beats and distorted bass, with a style more akin to his Muddlin’ Gear album than his latest melodious stuff. Other episodes see Din-ST bringing some noise, Curtis Chip adding 8-bits all around, Doormouse punching with some gentle gabberoid beats and the Secret Chiefs 3 playing live “Purple Pickle Eater,” with a great interpretation. Many other artists just show their skills, their mixes don’t resemble anymore Otto’s works and they just add some weirdness to the showcase: it’s the case of Venetian Snares, Hearts Of Darknesses, Dino Felipe, Danny L and Finesse & Runaway.
It’s a bizarre and messed up disc, so if you already are a OVS fan there’s a high chance you’ll like this. But if you accept an advice, turn toward the other remix album on Schematic, the Glen Velez one, it’s really amazing how the artists recycled all those percussions. Nothing forbids you to grab both, by the way.
Armpit Buffet is out now on Schematic Music Company.
