eclectics 006
eclectics reach their half dozen with an EP from Aimes (Rothmans, Wonder Stories), otherwise known as Aman Ellis. With a reputation for exquisite, subtle psychedelic backgrounds and carefully constructed grooves, his music has also proved irresistible for others to reinterpret. In fact, Brassica’s remix of “Tunnel Down” for Rothmans is up there with any you might care to mention. And we mean any.
Here, it is the turn of Coyote and the legendary Chris Coco to paint Aimes’ superb originals in their own colours and the results, as you might expect, are stunning.
The original of “Bombo Espacio” marries Aimes’ innate understanding of space in melody with counterpoints between high-reaching keys and echoed pads locked into place by a determinedly shuffling groove.
“You Should Be Feeling Wonderful” takes a rather more louche approach, as sounds swirl around us, putting us at the very centre of things. A synthesized choir calls out as echoed reverberations reply through the rolling drums and a calming voice tells us that we should be feeling… well, we’re sure you can guess.
“Sun Lit Lazy” is a real departure. While still showcasing Aimes’ head-spinning production and his ability to imbue seemingly sleepy soundscapes with endless energy and purpose, it’s guitars that are at the heart of this composition. The chiming melodies that rise and fall are the stuff of the hinterland between night and daybreak, sunlight falling on closed eyelids and the first rays of sun on the skin.
For his remix of “Bombo Espacio”, Chris Coco takes a stripped back approach, reigning back the drums, letting the echoed synth breathe more deeply and giving the melody space, and reason, to roam. In doing so, he has crafted a piece of music so warm it could melt snow. Or the coldest of hearts.
Taking remix duties on “Sun Lit Lazy” are Coyote. Keeping the guitars, they shift the beat just enough to give it a live feel, a trick they follow through expertly throughout the track. The end result feels more like a cover version than a remix like a remix – if you’re looking for a reference point then Etienne De Crecy’s Super Discount project is as good a place as any to start.
credits: Mastering K-Effect/Aman Ellis.
“AIMES is the production moniker and musical alter ego of Alabama born, Brooklyn resident, Aman Ellis. Fresh off releases on Wonder Stories, Spa In Disco and Pole Position, his signature brand of “spacey disco” with synth-pop sensibilities is on fine display once again for new imprint eclectics who rein him in to follow up great releases recently by James Rod, Mr BC and Coyote. Featuring the deeply emotive boogie-down antics of “You Should Be Feeling Wonderful , the sunkissed balearica of “Sun Lit Lazy” and a couple of pretty awesome remixes. Our favourite was certainly by the UK legend Chris Coco who serves up blissful, neon-lit island dream on his fabulous rendition here of “Bomba Espacio”. -Juno Downloads
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