After the success of Tempelhof & Gigi Masin’s second album TSUKI, Hell Yeah have invited some key artists to remix it. The result is a fantastic four track EP with key interpretations from Jex, Drift Projects, Steve Cobby and Coyote.
Opening up the release is JEX aka Jex Opolis, a Canadian producer who, in the last few years, has released on Running Back and his own label Good Timin. He flips Corner Song into eight brilliantly slow and seductive minutes of tropical dub disco with reflective chords that undulate like waves, churning drums and funky little guitar riffs. It cannot fail to bring sunshine into your life.
Veteran DJ, label boss and half of Fila Brazillia Steve Cobby then steps up with his usual mix of ambient, disco, downtempo, house and balearic vibes. Putting them all to good use, he cooks up a remix of Blue 13 that is deep and beautiful, mournful but hopeful as big drums, echoing vocal harmonies and soft xylophones sooth mind, body and soul.
Timm Sure and Ampo aka Coyote from the esteemed Is It Balearic? label are next and have been at the heart of this scene for more than a decade now. They totally flip Phantom Ship into a deep and driving cut that has big echo chambers filled with panning voices as snaking pads and icy hi hats jerk your body. A fat bassline underpins it all, and in the second half a wild acid line really sets the whole thing alight.
Last of all come Drift Projects, a new alias from Abel, the man who co-runs much loved reissue label Music From Memory. His version of Vampeta is loveably laid back, layered up with lush piano chords and detailed with soft bass guitar that is warm and effortless. Horizontal and sun kissed, it’s a plaintive closer to this excellent EP.