RMX Roundup: PANG! / Durante / Lil Silva + George FitzGerald

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We’re in the midst of summer now, and we’ve got another installment of Remix Roundup this week to help keep you cool. For the unitiated, this is CCP‘s biweekly segment in which we serve up a triad of the latest and greatest mixes and electronic works in circulation.

The first offering we have today comes from an electronic duo out of Sweden known as PANG! They impressed us last year with their track “Touch,” a retake on Christina Aguilera‘s “What A Girl Wants.” Now, the contemporary duo comprised of Kristoffer Kent and Alexander Fahlberg have another release on Dutch label Dirty Soul Records called “Grow On Me.” The track is about the uncertainty of taking a romantic leap with someone new, and features deep house elements fused with high trumpets and soaring vocals.

Next up is an original from Italian-born, Florida-bred producer as Durante. The currently LA-based artist just released his two-track EP Goddess / Cold, which firmly places the producer’s sound in the realm of rhythmic house with a side of Balearic beats. Speaking on the lead cut “Goddess,” Durante says the track is about “the inner goddess inside of everyone and the raw power of being in touch with one’s inner feminine qualities.” It’s an percussive, exotic number with a tribal-sounding drum line and enticing vocals, accompanied by visual art from female illustrator So-Hyun Bae. With an inventive style of electronic music, Durante is one to put on your radar.

Last but not least, we loved the single “Lines” from Lil Silva‘s from 2016 EP Jimi. Now, the original song from the UK producer has been given the remix treatment by London’s George FitzGerald. Increasing the tempo of the ethereal prototype, FitzGerald stays true to the original sentiment by keeping the synth flourishes to a minimum, while adding a beat that’s sure to make for a euphoric late-night dance party. Listen below.

Flying Circles – Dayglo Queen

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Another band to emerge out of Oakland’s fecund music scene is a trio called Flying Circles, who released their debut LP via Antiquated Future Records last month. Their single “Dayglo Queen” immediately stood out to us for its angular guitars, skittering synths and cool, compelling vocals from Colleen Johnson. The mezzo-soprano employs a minor-key vocal line on the track, which blends nicely with the the track’s retro rhythm section, distorted textures and prismatic soundscape. No doubt their sound is influenced by the rich, esoteric-folk musical trend that’s been blooming out of that particular region of the Bay Area (think Waterstrider and Bells Atlas). We’re into it.

The album, Of Loving Grace is available for purchase on Bandcamp.

Hannah Georgas – Don’t Go

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Everyone deals with the subject of mortality differently, and Canadian artist Hannah Georgas confronts the topic beautifully on her third album, For Evelyn. Georgas channels her pain, inner fears and general disquietude into the effort, which was inspired by her “compassionate, patient, kind and beautiful” 98-year-old grandmother. Lyrically simplistic, the LP’s lead single “Don’t Go” assumes a numinous quality as Georgas’ moving vocals float above the song’s gorgeous and funereal instrumentation. Listen below.

The album, produced by Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) and mixed by Nicolas Vernhes (The War on Drugs, Animal Collective), was released on Dine Alone Records last month and is available for purchase here.

Sunjacket – Not Enough

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From the opening bars of their first single “Not Enough,” Sunjacket draws you into their world of layered, jazz-tinged syncopated rock. The Chicago quartet’s haunting harmonies sound like a cross between Adult Jazz, The Antlers and Grizzly Bear. The track, mixed/co-produced by Milagres‘ Fraser MuCulloch and mastered by Joe Lambert (who’s worked with Animal Collective and Pet Shot Boys) is the first of their debut LP Mantra, due out sometime this fall.

Hear “Not Enough” below.

Young Summer – Alright

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Washington D.C. songstress Young Summer, aka Bobbie Allen hit mainstream success with her 2014 debut LP Siren. Now she returns with a new EP that’ll be out sometime this summer — and the first taste of the extended play called “Alright.” Known for her lush melodies, synth-washed production and romantic lyrical laments, the new single falls right in line with what we’ve come to expect from the homegrown artist. Even as Allen sings about unrequited love — submerged in a sanguine sonic soundscape the track feels cathartic rather than punitive. Allen admits as much, confessing that the sparkling production is like a “protective armor.” See for yourself below and to hear the new songs live, catch Young Summer performing at U Street Music Hall July 22.

Blood Orange – Best To You (ft. Empress Of)

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Blood Orange, aka Dev Hynes has just put out his most personal and political record to date, dropping Freetown Sound on Domino three days ahead of the scheduled July 1 release. The album title is a nod to the capital of Sierra Leone, where Hynes’ father was born.

In a press release the acclaimed Brooklyn-based artist and producer states: “I have just finished making an album about my life, my upbringing, being black in England, being black in America… my movement to this country at the age of 21, the same age that my mother moved from Guyana to London, and my father from Sierra Leone to London.” The statement also notes that Freetown Sound is a “confluence of Hynes’ past, present, and future that melds his influences with his own established musical voice.”

The entire album is a must-listen, but we’re especially delighted that Dev came together with another of our favorite artists, Empress Of, to collaborate on a song that is one of the LP’s finest — “Best To You.” The track combines the best of both artists’ worlds: Blood Orange’s skittering ’80s synthpop aesthetic and Lorely Rodriguez’ gorgeously verdant vocals.

Stream via Spotify below, and as a bonus check out the empress’ recent collab with Darkstar. The single, “Reformer” will be out on Darkstar’s new EP Made To Measure July 15.



Sui Zhen – Take It All Back

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Australia’s “dream beat” artist Sui Zhen has already accumulated a following for herself overseas, but this month marks her first North American release. Born Becky Sui Zhen, the quirk-pop singer is a visual artist and art museum professional by day, who makes music inspired by Japanese lovers rock, ’80s electro-bossanova, and dubby-lounge pop (which she discovered on holiday in Japan). Her new album Secretly Susan dropped June 17 via TwoSyllable on digital platforms and pink vinyl. Take a listen to “Take It All Back” and pick up the album today for your tiki-tinged beach party playlist.

Avindale – Lost and Found

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Arriving from El Paso, Avindale is a Texan trio whose synth-rock sound defies expectations of their place of origin. With influences like Coldplay and M83, the three-piece, Oscar (vocals / keys), Gary (bass) and Matt (drums) have carved out their own indie pop sound consisting of dreamy synthscapes and distinct melodies. They independently released their second EP, Time Frames earlier this month — so listen to their single “Lost And Found” and then go support the new EP if you feel as windswept by their music as we do.

Night Games – Faithless

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East London duo Night Games have been making waves this past year with their spacious take on electronic pop and steady stream of self-released singles. “Faithless,” our fave so far is an emotive and at once sensuous song that recalls the likes of Rhye and FKA Twigs. The pair, Constance and Paul ply silky, dusky synths and swooning melodies into a mysterious, intriguing package that more than gives us faith in their ability to further establish themselves as an act. We suspect a debut EP is not far off so let’s not play games — stream the single below.

Phantogram – You Don’t Get Me High Anymore

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Phantogram is planning to release their third studio album, aptly titled Three this September. Having experienced a rough year, the album will reportedly showcase a darker, weightier side of the New York duo comprised of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. In addition to the passing of their idols David Bowie and Prince, Barthel also tragically lost her sister to suicide. In the wake of such sorrow, the duo managed to find inspiration amidst the blackness, which quickly became central to the LP’s narrative. Carter told Pitchfork, “The idea that all of our heroes are gone—of everyone and everything being destroyed around us and we’re still standing, and we’re still pushing on, and we’re still moving forward. That’s also a lot of motivation for us to keep going and going and going, and that’s I think the main theme behind the album.”

The first taste of the record — “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” certainly showcases this aspect. Even while they grapple with this darker matter, the duo’s electropop edge, hook-laden melodies and resilient spirit remain intact. Watch the lyric video for the single below.