AnD need no introduction. The duo from Manchester has been active for more than 5 years now and their musical career is continuously taking firm steps towards a truly successful future. After last year’s “Cosmic Microwave Background”, they have been touring extensively, sharing their intense live display with global audiences both in big festivals and small venues. Speedy J’s Electric Deluxe was the label that opted to release that record, and last June they confirmed their commitment to the duo’s sound with the release of two outstanding EPs entitled “AnD Rmx 01 & 02”.
Andrew Bowen and Dimitri Ploumpidis have had some of the inspiring tracks on “Cosmic Microwave Background” remixed. Of course, provided the album was a magnificent one, they could not put just anyone in charge of the task. The names speak for themselves. Justin Broadrick with his heavyweight JK Flesh alias, Speedy J himself, together with Lucy, under their joint musical venture Zeitgeber, Black Rain, Sleeparchive, and Foster and Oddie’s O/H are the shimmering stars behind these EPs. Unsurprisingly, the outcome is just as impressive. The Mancunians’ hard techno style reaches new and diverse dimensions with this gang’s enormous talent. When nobody could think their music can go harder, these musicians go one step beyond and multiply AnD’s ferocity.
“AnD Rmx 01” opens with Zeitgeber’s reconstruction of “The Surface Of Last Scattering”. Speedy J and Lucy’s interpretation of the original is just sublime. The duo grants a dub-techno structure to the track, which develops throughout its thirteen minutes, growing both in intensity and aggressiveness. Subsequently, Roger Semsroth, aka Sleeparchive, gives his personal perspective on “Power Spectrum”. This East Berlin author leaves no room for contemplation and turns this piece into a violent hard-techno beast. Not only is it built upon a fat head-banging rhythm, but it is also garnished with a myriad of distorted effects and noise. To close the first EP, O/H rework the same track offering a frantic and momentous perspective as well. AnD’s “Power Spectrum” deserved being remixed by the best, and both Sleeparchive and O/H do not disappoint.
The second chapter of this terrific initiative is “AnD Rmx 02”. Broadrick opens the EP, and yes, if no one thought AnD’s sound could go harder, here’s the proof that maybe, just maybe, they were wrong. Under JK Flesh, the founder of Godflesh takes ownership of one of the most psychedelic tracks —”Non Sky Signal Noise”— and turns it into a dark and brutal, yet still danceable piece. The other two tracks have been reworked by Black Rain. Naturally, Stuart Argabright has left his unique imprint on both. “Galactic Motion” and “The Surface Of Last Scattering” — the latter having also been chosen by Zeitgeber— are clearly closer to Black Rain’s Sci-Fi industrial style. Outstanding in their structure, effect crafting, and atmosphere sculpting, these intriguing pieces are just perfect to get lost in. They are two musical gems without a question.
“AnD Rmx 01 & 02” are two magnificent EPs consisting of six tracks re-interpreted by some of the most talented artists in today’s electronic music world. The first one, which is closer to techno per se, provides listeners with an undoubtedly killer sonic avalanche as a result of Zeitgeber, Sleeparchive, and O/H’s superb reconstruction effort. The second explores new genres thanks to Black Rain’s dystopian style and JK Flesh’s devastating passion. There is no time to lose. Give it a listen!
