Epic 45 ‘ Bracken and Bibio remixes’ 12” (Wayside and Woodland)
Epic 45 are a Staffordshire based duo who wander along the same autumnal back roads as Disco Inferno, Hood, Weevil and Khonnor, in that they produce a vaguely Shoegaze brand of rural pop that occasionally hits the nail right on the head. This is the first release on their own label, the typically named Wayside and Woodland.
Bracken’s remix is decent enough. Utilising a vaguely fey vocal that only reminds me of the Field Mice. It stutters and coughs along in a pleasant manner until half way through a huge Dubstep bassline comes along to throw a spanner in the works and make it a whole load more interesting.
Whilst Bracken’s mix is enjoyable, Bibio’s simply stuns - certainly the art of the remix is one flawed by the necessity of using source material and the mix possibly not high on the artists priority when they have albums to make etc. I have to say that this is one of the finest remixes I’ve heard for many a year. A gravely, grainy intro makes way to a piece of instrumental music of stunning power and emotion capturing the long gone feeling of walking on bright December mornings, frost underfoot. The main comparison is inevitably Boards of Canada - this certainly is derivative of their sound but if their last album had more moments like this it may not have constantly evaded my attention.
8/10
Adam Roberts