On paper, this batch of remixes for Justice‘ On’n'On EP is already one of the best releases of 2012.
Sadly, it’s not. Each of these mixes are about as interesting and thought provoking as the EP’s cover art.
Once the producers establish their “remix” bit, the songs plato into bland redundancy.
I’ve heard nothing but praise for Brodinksi‘s mix but every time I give it a listen I get bored with its repetitive synth breakdowns which span throughout most of the production.
I was excited about Tiga‘s version of “Canon” when it premiered on his 6 Mix Special but without his vocal personality and quirky riffing there’s not much left to listen to.
Erol Alkan‘s choppy version of “Canon” is the most interesting of the previews offered but even this one sounds like a piece of a better, more dynamic remix.
Brand name producers, labels and edgy album art can only go so far. In the end, it’s all about the music, which in this case is pretty mediocre compared to something like Tiga’s take on “Triangle Walks,” Brodinksi’s recent version of “Crush on You” or Alkan’s…anything else.
Granted those examples have vocals to play around with, there’s still a lot of untouched musical territory within these reworks.
The Justice – On’n'On Remix EP due Jan 30 also features mixes by Rick Rubin and Video Village and can be pre-ordered here.
