Thursday, June 13, 2019

Underground System - Just A Place (Remixes)

This past week Brooklyn-based Underground System offered up a six pack of remixes of their groovy track "Just A Place." Stacked with the likes of Soul Clap, Greg Wilson and Gerd Janson, it is an all-star lineup no doubt.

Janson bookends the EP with opposing mixes, the first being more expansive and extraterrestrial, while the closing "Drum Remix" takes a more terrestrial, driving direction. The nearly seven minute opening track is exactly the kind of quality we've come to expect from Janson who lays down not just a brilliant bassline, but sensational synth work atop the blistering bongos. Further to the magic inherent in his productions, he once again perfectly straddles the line between nostalgic and fresh feels.

Second up in the legendary list of remixers is quite literally a group of all-stars in the foursome that is the Sol Power All-Stars. The Washington residents have whipped up an unstoppable workout that is sure to keep your feet moving as the occasionally squelching synths have your heart skipping a beat. Just as likely to produce palpitations, the Peter Matson edit heaves with heavy bass riffs. It is at once the most true to the original mix, but also the one most likely to make you go bananas on the dance-floor, ultimately illustrating the power of a quality club edit.

After invoking the word legend above, it really doesn't get much more legendary than crafting a killer mix with your son, which is the case here with father Greg and son Che. The two combine for an absolutely fantastic seven minute session that is sure to leave you swooning. The dope drum-line opening is reminiscent of the classic Greg Wilson edits of yesteryear and does indeed follow in the direction of those timeless craftworks, slowly adding and removing elements until ecstasy is achieved. With more than enough interplay, movement and acidic energy, this stands out as my favourite offering of the EP.

Entering the eleventh hour, Soul Clap and Midnight Magic match wits to melt your own. At times dirty, distorted and even unholy, their remix, like some of the others, plays perfectly with, and leans into, the lyrics. As though inhaling laughing gas as your press play, the track gets weirder and weirder as it goes, ultimately leaving you wondering what you just listened to. Perfect for your final listen of the night.
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