by Aman Chungh
Having released their debut album Big Monster back in March this year, Fat! Records have kept with the programme in so much as releasing this House Remix EP which stays true to the duo by keeping relatively eclectic, at least as far as house music is concerned. With a diverse host of remixers giving South Manchester Weather, Like An Arrow and The Machine a seeing to. Yet another debut, this time a debut production on Fat! Records however coming from Kill Light, a dark driving electro packed affair.
Whilst maintaining a good degree of dignity by knocking out a solid mix as a debut production, well finished and no doubt agreeable to the general electro crowd, I cannot help but feel a mild wave of discontent clouding over my mind each time I hear the word ‘electro’ uttered. It is becoming more of a formality that each time I listen to a new electro track I begin to question my mental health and whether amnesia is something I ought to be concerned about. At such a young age, regardless of the damage I may have inflicted upon my hippocampus I think I can rest assured that it is not the neuronal networks to blame but rather it is this generic electro sound. Despite my rant I must uphold my earlier praise for this track as the chunky bass and the breakdowns that conclude with a satisfying return of the beat, albeit in an obvious manner, are the sole reasons for people listening to the traditional-type electro. The same track is then given a scale and polish by Baobinga himself under the guise of Samuel H Simpson and the results are once again pleasing but with a very different, deeper sound. Something that is perhaps making a resurgence onto the scene, deep house. The Samuel H Simpson remix is the standout remix on this EP for me, a fresh unpretentious sounding track with melodies and structure aplenty.
Aquasky serve up yet another variety of dance with a bass-driven mix of The Machine, the warped bass is perhaps not enough to detract one’s attention from the clichéd breakbeat vocals of the original however. Spin Out Records’ CanineSounds are at hand to brighten up South Manchester Weather effectively. A reliable tech house track, which is probably the most important adjective to consider when thinking about tech house. You know that come rain or shine tech house is always going to be there for you.
All in all The House Remixes EP is consistent with respect to quality whilst being varied when looking at the genres that it encompasses, not detracting from the unmistakeable accompanying feeling of déjà vu.